Almost: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to indicate something that is very close to happening or being true but isn't quite there. Common in everyday conversation.

• I almost missed the bus this morning.
• Dinner is almost ready.

Similar to 'almost,' but often suggests a closer or more specific degree of approximation. Can be used in both casual and formal contexts.

• I nearly finished the project before the deadline.
• She nearly fell off her bike.

Indicates that something is very close to being the case, but emphasizes the practical aspect. Often used to suggest that for all practical purposes, something is true.

• The task is practically impossible to complete in a day.
• They are practically giving away the tickets for free.

Used to describe something that is almost entirely true or that, for all practical purposes, is true. Often found in more formal or technical contexts.

• The software is virtually flawless.
• He is virtually guaranteed to win the election.

Commonly used to indicate that something is very close to happening or being true but hasn't quite reached that point.

• She almost won the race
• The movie is almost over

This phrase is used to emphasize the small amount by which something is not complete or true. It often carries a sense of precision.

• She very nearly made it on time
• The team very nearly won the championship

Typically used in informal speech to indicate that something is nearly the case or nearly complete, often implying a casual or conversational tone.

• I'm just about ready to go
• The cake is just about done

Often used to express that something is nearly complete or true with a strong emphasis on how close it is to being entirely so. It can sometimes imply a feeling of frustration or disappointment.

• The project is all but finished
• He was all but certain he'd passed the test

Appropriate for everyday conversations to indicate that something is very close to happening or being true, but not completely.

• I almost forgot my keys
• She almost won the race

Typically used in slightly more formal contexts and to suggest a high degree of approximation or closeness to something happening.

• The project is nearly finished
• They nearly missed the flight

Often used to indicate something is so close to being true that it might as well be considered true; can imply a more extreme closeness.

• The plan was practically flawless
• We practically live next to each other

Used in formal contexts to indicate something is nearly true in every way but not entirely; often used with technical, scientific, or statistical data.

• The disease has been virtually eradicated
• He is virtually unknown in this part of the world