NEARLY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does nearly mean? 

• NEARLY (adverb)
  The adverb NEARLY has 2 senses:

1. (of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

2. in a close manner

  Familiarity information: NEARLY used as an adverb is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• NEARLY (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

Synonyms:

about; almost; most; near; nearly; nigh; virtually; well-nigh

Context example:

most everyone agrees

Sense 2

Meaning:

In a close manner

Synonyms:

closely; intimately; nearly

Context example:

the person most nearly concerned

 Context examples 

“And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?”

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

I nearly fell into the error of supposing that you were typewriting.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

He was so very weak and unused to walking that when the door opened and he passed outside, the wind nearly carried him off his feet.

(Love of Life and Other Stories, by Jack London)

At the end of an hour and a half he was nearly alongside, standing past our stern on the last leg out, aiming to fetch us on the next leg back.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

He is the organizer of half that is evil and of nearly all that is undetected in this great city.

(The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

He had studied late, and it was nearly time for breakfast.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

The horses are nearly ready, and we are soon off.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

Also, he had once nearly had an eye poked out by a toddling papoose.

(White Fang, by Jack London)

But he sat and looked at her, notwithstanding, for nearly two hours, as she sat looking at the fire, until he was again called out.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

"Please don't—it's—it's mine," murmured Amy, with a face nearly as red as her fish.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)