Nearly vs. Almost — What's the Difference?

Close to being the case but not exactly or entirely.

Nearly but not exactly or entirely.

Indicating something happens almost but not quite every time.

Used to indicate that something is close to happening or being the case.

Very close to in quantity or degree.

Suggesting a small margin from a certain state.

Used to suggest that something is almost but not completely the case.

Not quite; very nearly.

Just short of a specific point or time.

Used to express a slight or uncertain difference.

Almost but not quite

In set theory, when dealing with sets of infinite size, the term almost or nearly is used to refer to all but a negligible amount of elements in the set. The notion of "negligible" depends in the context, and may mean "of measure zero" (in a measure space), "countable" (when uncountably infinite sets are involved), or "finite" (when infinite sets are involved).For example: The set S = { n ∈ N | n ≥ k } {\displaystyle S=\{n\in \mathbb {N} \,|\,n\geq k\}} is almost N {\displaystyle \mathbb {N} } for any k {\displaystyle k} in N {\displaystyle \mathbb {N} } , because only finitely many natural numbers are less than k {\displaystyle k} .

In a close manner; intimately

Not quite; very nearly

In close approximation; almost, virtually.

Slightly short of; not quite; nearly

With great scrutiny; carefully.

Very close to, but not quite.

With close relation; intimately.

(mathematics) Up to, except for a negligible set where negligible is not universally but contextually defined.

Closely, in close proximity.

A null set; except for a set of measure 0.

Stingily.

(informal) Something or someone that doesn't quite make it.

In a near manner; not remotely; closely; intimately; almost; as, he nearly lost his life in the accident.

Nearly; well nigh; all but; for the greatest part.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; `near' is sometimes used informally for `nearly' and `most' is sometimes used informally for `almost';

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; `near' is sometimes used informally for `nearly' and `most' is sometimes used informally for `almost';

In a close manner;

Yes, "almost" can imply that something was close to happening but did not, often highlighting a missed opportunity or failure.

Yes, "nearly" often implies a more precise measurement than "almost."

Yes, in expressions of approximation without a need for precision, "almost" is more fitting.

Not necessarily; both suggest closeness, but "nearly" is often used in more quantifiable contexts.

"Almost" is widely used in both casual and formal speech, but its flexibility makes it slightly more common in casual contexts.

The emotional impact can vary; "nearly" might feel more factual, while "almost" can convey a sense of missed potential.

They are often interchangeable, but "nearly" may convey a sense of greater precision.

Yes, "almost" can convey a sense of uncertainty or flexibility more so than "nearly."

"Almost" is often used in hyperbolic statements due to its less precise nature.

Yes, "nearly" is commonly used when discussing numbers and specific points in time due to its precision.

An author might choose "nearly" for precision or to convey a sense of being very close to a quantifiable measure.

"Nearly" can sound slightly more formal due to its precision, but both are used in formal and casual contexts.

The choice can subtly change the meaning, with "nearly" often adding precision and "almost" implying a broader approximation.

Yes, "almost" can be used positively, especially when highlighting progress or near-success.