almost
adverb
UK/ˈɔːl.məʊst/US/ˈɔːl.moʊst/
Very nearly, but not exactly or entirely; close to something happening or being true.
Example Sentences
I almost missed the bus this morning.
She almost dropped the vase when the doorbell rang.
He almost fell asleep during the lecture.
They almost ran out of time before finishing the exam.
It was almost sunset by the time we reached the beach.
We almost got lost in the unfamiliar neighborhood.
I was almost convinced I had made the wrong decision, but a last-minute phone call changed everything and reassured me that I was on the right path.
The team almost gave up on the project after multiple setbacks, yet they managed to push through and eventually deliver exceptional results.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
Nearly but not fully; close to happening or being trueThis adverb is typically used to indicate a point just short of completion or realization. In everyday speech or writing, it clarifies that something is close to happening but hasn’t occurred yet. For example, you might say, “I’m almost done with my project,” to suggest that only a little more work remains. It can be placed before adjectives, verbs, or other adverbs to convey that degree of closeness—“I almost always drink coffee in the morning,” or “She almost tripped on the curb.” While it softens definitive statements, it also keeps readers and listeners aware that the action or description is not absolute. When writing, ensure that its use doesn’t obscure factual details. If precision is critical, you may need to provide more specific information. However, in everyday contexts, this word succinctly communicates something is nearly, but not completely, true or finished.
Alternatives
For variety, consider words such as “nearly,” “practically,” “just about,” or “close to” when you wish to emphasize that a situation is nearly complete or an event is just short of occurring. “Nearly” is especially handy for underscoring that only a tiny bit remains. “Practically” points out that the difference from the final state is negligible, while “just about” can imply a casual nearness to a threshold. “Close to” is a direct phrase that pinpoints proximity or similarity. Each alternative has a slightly different nuance, allowing you to tailor your meaning more precisely. For example, “He’s nearly home” focuses on the short distance left, while “He’s just about home” suggests a casual tone. By varying these terms in your writing or conversation, you add depth and clarity, giving your audience a better sense of how close something is to happening.
Writing
When writing, this adverb helps refine statements by emphasizing that a condition is not fully met but is on the cusp of happening. Overusing it might make your text vague or repetitive, so apply it carefully. Consider whether the sentence calls for precision—if so, specify how near you are to completing something (“about two minutes away from finishing” instead of “almost done”). However, in most creative or narrative contexts, it’s perfectly appropriate for conveying the sense that a moment is imminent or that a process is just shy of completion. The key is balance: use this word to highlight a near outcome while also confirming what remains undone. Employ synonyms or alternate expressions as needed to maintain variety in tone. By doing so, you ensure your prose remains clear, concise, and engaging, conveying exactly how close events or conditions are to the intended target.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, this word shows up frequently to indicate that something is nearly happening or true. You might say, “I’m almost there,” when you’re only a block away from meeting a friend, or “I almost forgot my wallet!” to express relief at narrowly avoiding a mishap. This adverb softens your statements, preventing them from sounding absolute while still emphasizing closeness. It’s useful in everyday interactions for quickly conveying how little is left to do or how slight the difference is between one state and another. If you feel your speech is becoming repetitive, switch to synonyms such as “nearly” or “just about.” However, it’s completely natural to rely on this word in casual conversation because it helps you casually highlight situations that are not fully complete yet. Just remember not to overuse it, as variety always makes conversation more interesting.
Etymology
Derived from Old English roots, this term has carried a sense of “near” or “close to completion” for centuries. In Middle English, variations appeared that generally meant “nearly” or “well-nigh,” reflecting a long-standing need to convey the idea that something is close but not quite there. Historically, it has been a handy linguistic tool for writers, poets, and everyday speakers to soften an absolute statement and give a sense of impending transition or near accomplishment. By consistently serving this subtle function, it has woven itself into the fabric of common usage. The enduring appeal of this word can be attributed to its versatility—whether in casual jokes, precise technical descriptions, or literary works. It has helped speakers across different eras and regions effectively communicate how close an action, event, or situation is to fully happening without overstating the conclusion.
