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nearly — meaning in English: nearly
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nearly
nearly
quickly
responsibility
very
trade
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neutral
common
Usage
Native speakers often use 'nearly' when discussing approximate quantities, timeframes, or outcomes. For instance, you might hear someone say, 'I nearly finished my homework before dinner,' indicating they were close to finishing, but didn't quite make it. This word is frequently used in both casual conversations and more serious discussions, like business meetings, to express an almost-completed action or situation.
Synonyms & nuances
'Nearly' is often used interchangeably with 'almost', but there’s a subtle difference; 'nearly' suggests a slightly higher degree of proximity to completion than 'almost'. For example, saying 'I almost won the game' implies a broader margin of defeat, while 'I nearly won the game' suggests you were very close to victory.
Culture
'Nearly' comes from the Old English 'neah', meaning near or close. This word reflects the human tendency to quantify experiences and feelings of approximation, showing how we often live in the 'almost' rather than the absolute. It's interesting to note that 'nearly' shares roots with other words like 'neighbor', emphasizing closeness in both physical and metaphorical spaces.
FAQ
