# nearly

/ˈnɪɹɫi/ (US) · /nˈiəli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/nearly
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. almost

adverb · CEFR A2

almost or very close to a point, amount, or state.

For teachers: indicating a state that is very close to being achieved but falls just short; functions as an intensifier for adjectives, verbs, and numerical values.

- It was nearly midnight by the time we finally got home.
- The project is nearly complete, though we still need to finalise the budget reports before the board meeting on Tuesday.

### 2. closely related

adverb · CEFR C1 · Formal

having a very close family or personal connection.

For teachers: describing a relationship that is intimate or closely connected by blood or interest.

- The two families are nearly related through a marriage many years ago.
- The success of the local economy is nearly linked to the health of the manufacturing sector, as most residents work in the nearby factories.

### 3. carefully

adverb · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Literary

looking at something very closely and with great attention.

For teachers: with great scrutiny or careful attention to detail.

- The detective looked nearly at the marks on the old wooden door.
- The scholar examined the manuscript nearly, searching for any sign of a hidden signature beneath the faded ink.

## Examples

- I am nearly finished with my homework.
- The project took nearly three months to complete because of several unexpected delays in the supply chain.
- While the two theories are nearly identical in their conclusions, they differ significantly in the underlying assumptions they make about human behavior and social structures.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.