English Online Dictionary. What means nearly? What does nearly mean?
English
Alternative forms
- nerely, nerly, neerely, nearely (all obsolete)
Etymology
From near + -ly. Cognate with Scots nerelie, neirlie (“nearly”). Compare also English nearling, nearlings.
Pronunciation
- (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˈnɪəlɪ/
- (Standard Southern British) IPA(key): /ˈnɪːlɪj/
- (General American) IPA(key): /ˈnɪɹli/
- (Scotland, Canada) IPA(key): /ˈniːɹli/, /ˈniːɹlɪ/
- Rhymes: -ɪə(ɹ)li
Adverb
nearly (comparative nearlier or more nearly, superlative nearliest or most nearly)
- In close approximation; almost, virtually. [from 17th c.]
- Synonym: (obsolete) environ
- (now rare) With great scrutiny; carefully. [from 16th c.]
- With close relation; intimately. [from 16th c.]
- Closely, in close proximity. [from 16th c.]
- Stingily.
Synonyms
- almost, nigh, well-nigh, near, close to, next to, practically, virtually
Derived terms
Translations
References
- “nearly”, in OneLook Dictionary Search.
Anagrams
- Nayler, Raelyn, Rylean, lanyer