The difference between Almost and Nearly
When used as adverbs, almost means very close to, but not quite, whereas nearly means with great scrutiny.
Almost is also noun with the meaning: something or someone that doesn't quite make it.
check bellow for the other definitions of Almost and Nearly
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Almost as an adverb:
Very close to, but not quite.
Examples:
"Almost all people went there.'' - Not all but very close to it."
"We almost missed the train.'' - Not missed but very close to it."
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Almost as a noun (informal):
Something or someone that doesn't quite make it.
Examples:
"In all the submissions, they found four papers that were clearly worth publishing and another dozen almosts."
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Nearly as an adverb (now, rare):
With great scrutiny; carefully.
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Nearly as an adverb:
With close relation; intimately.
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Nearly as an adverb:
Closely, in close proximity.
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Nearly as an adverb:
In close approximation; almost, virtually.
Examples:
"He left a nearly full beer on the bar."
"I nearly didn't go to work yesterday."
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Nearly as an adverb:
Stingily.