adverb

nearly

nearly, almost

It's nearly time to go.

It's nearly time to go.

I nearly missed the bus.

I nearly missed the bus.

nearly + [adjective/adverb/verb/number] almost It's nearly midnight.

Synonyms: almost, about, practically; Antonyms: exactly, precisely

From Old English 'nēarlīce', from 'nēar' (near) + '-līce' (-ly). Literally means 'in a near manner'.

Think of it as being 'near' to a certain point, number, or time, but not quite there.

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