nearly

comparative nearlier · comparative more nearly · superlative nearliest · superlative most nearly · alternative nerely · alternative nerly · alternative neerely · alternative nearely

1. In close approximation; almost, virtually.First known use 17th c.

   I nearly didn't go to work yesterday.

   5 more examples

   He left a nearly full beer on the bar.

   He was (so/very) nearly over the worst part of his college degree.

   I've nearly completely finished reading it.

   There's not nearly enough drink for all these people!

   She was like a Beardsley Salome, he had said. And indeed she had the narrow eyes and the high cheekbone of that creature, and as nearly the sinuosity as is compatible with human symmetry.

   1921, Ben Travers, chapter 1, in A Cuckoo in the Nest, Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, Page & Company, published 1925, →OCLC

   Synonyms: environ

2. archaicWith great scrutiny; carefully.First known use 16th c.

   1 more example

   And whosoever hath traced mee and nearely [translating de pres] looked into my humours, Ile loose a good wager if hee confesse not that there is no rule in their schoole, could, a midde such crooked pathes and divers windings, square and report this naturall motion, and maintaine an apparance of liberty and licence so equall and inflexible […].

   1603, Michel de Montaigne, chapter 1, in John Florio, transl., The Essayes […], book III, London: […] Val[entine] Simmes for Edward Blount […], →OCLC

3. With close relation; intimately.First known use 16th c.

   Let that which he learns next be nearly conjoined with what he knows already.

   a. 1705, John Locke, “Of the Conduct of the Understanding”, in Posthumous Works of Mr. John Locke: […], London: […] A[wnsham] and J[ohn] Churchill, […], published 1706, →OCLC

   2 more examples

   She could have joined most comfortably in all their supposings, and suspicions, and doubts, and prognostications, but the honour of the family was too nearly concerned to allow free reins to her tongue.

   1837, The Dublin University Magazine

   [H]e was also accounted a man of wealth, and was nearly related to a high chief.

   1847 March 30, Herman Melville, Omoo: A Narrative of Adventures in the South Seas; […], London: John Murray, […], →OCLC

4. Closely, in close proximity.First known use 16th c.

   I doubt some danger do's approach you neerely.

   c. 1606 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Macbeth”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act IV, scene ii]

5. Stingily.