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עברית
שכמעט — meaning in English: Almost
shekim'at · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
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that/who almost
דין
din
ימשיך
yamshikh
המתמטית
hamatematit
לתהילה
letehila
שכמעט
shekim'at
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informal
very common
Usage
Native speakers often use the word שכמעט in casual conversations when discussing plans or experiences that are not fully realized. For example, someone might say, 'I almost finished my project,' indicating they were close to completion but didn’t quite get there. It's also common in stories or anecdotes to express a near-miss or a fortunate escape from a situation.
Synonyms & nuances
While synonyms like 'בערך' (be'erekh) meaning 'about' and 'כמעט' (kim'at) might seem similar, שכמעט specifically conveys the sense of being very close to completion or realization. Use שכמעט when you want to highlight that you were on the verge of something, rather than just approximating a figure or concept.
Culture
The word שכמעט has roots in the Hebrew language's rich history, reflecting a culture that values nuance and approximation in expression. It is interesting to note that Hebrew, being a language with a deep connection to its biblical roots, often emphasizes the importance of intention and potential, which is encapsulated in the idea of 'almost.' This concept resonates well with many cultural narratives in Israel, where tales of near success are often celebrated.
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