nearly

Word parts

near + -ly

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA ^(key): /ˈnɪəli/
• (US) IPA ^(key): /ˈnɪrli/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Adverb

Positive nearly

Comparative none

Superlative none

1. If something is nearly it is close to true, but not true.
   • Synonym: almost

   He was nearly dead, but we revived him.

   We were nearly hit by the car, but got out of its way just in time.