Nearly vs. Near — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 9, 2024
Nearly emphasizes proximity in degree or amount, often used in contexts of approximation (e.g., nearly finished), whereas near refers to physical or temporal closeness (e.g., near the house).
Difference Between Nearly and Near
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Nearly is primarily used to describe something that almost happens or is about to reach a certain state, indicating a close approximation without being exact. It suggests a slight gap or distance from completion or perfection. On the other hand, near is used to indicate physical proximity or closeness to a location, time, or situation, emphasizing spatial or temporal relationships rather than approximation.
When we say something is nearly done, we imply it is on the brink of completion but not quite there. This usage underscores a degree of incompleteness. Whereas, describing something as near done would be less common in English, near instead more aptly describes physical closeness, like something being near a landmark.
In expressions of time, nearly can quantify how close in time something is to occurring without specifying a precise moment (e.g., "The event is nearly at hand."). Near, however, would more commonly be used to denote a close temporal proximity to a specific point or period (e.g., "We are near the end of the year.").
Nearly often conveys a sense of almost achieving or attaining something, highlighting a slight shortfall. For example, saying "nearly won" implies a close attempt that fell just short of victory. Near, in contrast, would not typically be used in this context, as its primary function is not to describe the extent of achievement but rather proximity.
When discussing quantities or measurements, nearly is used to indicate that the amount or number is close to, but not exactly, a specified figure (e.g., "The jar is nearly full."). Near, on the other hand, would be less likely to be used in quantifying closeness to a numerical value, focusing more on the aspect of physical distance or proximity to a point in time.
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Comparison Chart
Usage Context
Approximation in degree or amount
Physical or temporal proximity
Common Phrases
Nearly finished, nearly all, nearly identical
Near the house, near the end, close to
Temporal Usage
Indicates a close approach to a point in time or event
Indicates closeness to a specific time or period
Quantitative
Used to suggest a figure is close to another figure
Less commonly used in quantitative approximations
Example
"The project is nearly complete."
"My home is near the park."
Compare with Definitions
Nearly
Close to a specific amount or time.
Nearly 100 guests attended the wedding.
Near
Close to in distance.
The coffee shop is near the office.
Nearly
Just short of a particular measure or standard.
The tank is nearly empty.
Near
Used to describe a close relationship.
He is a near relative of mine.
Nearly
Almost but not quite.
She was nearly in tears by the end of the movie.
Near
Not far away in terms of relation.
She kept her friends near.
Nearly
Used to express that something is almost achieved.
He nearly won the race.
Near
Indicating a slight or short distance from a point.
We parked near the entrance.
Nearly
Indicating a slight shortfall from a total.
Nearly everyone agreed with the decision.
Near
To, at, or within a short distance or interval in space or time
Moved the table nearer to the wall.
As graduation draws near.
Nearly
Almost but not quite
The coat nearly fits.
Near
Just about; almost; nearly
Was near exhausted from the climb.
Nearly
In a close manner; intimately
A matter nearly affecting our interests.
Near
With or in a close relationship
It turns out we are near related.
Nearly
In close approximation; almost, virtually.
He left a nearly full beer on the bar.
I nearly didn't go to work yesterday.
He was (so/very) nearly caught.
Near
Close in time, space, position, or degree
Near neighbors.
Near equals.
Nearly
With great scrutiny; carefully.
Near
Closely related by kinship or association; intimate
A near relative.
A near and dear friend.
Nearly
With close relation; intimately.
Near
Nearly occurring but not actually happening
A near victory.
A near disaster.
Nearly
Closely, in close proximity.
Near
Just barely avoided
A near hit by the incendiary bomb.
Nearly
Stingily.
Near
Closely corresponding to or resembling an original
A near likeness.
Nearly
In a near manner; not remotely; closely; intimately; almost; as, he nearly lost his life in the accident.
Near
Closely resembling the genuine article
A dress of near satin.
Near silver beads.
Nearly
(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';
The job is (just) about done
The baby was almost asleep when the alarm sounded
We're almost finished
The car all but ran her down
He nearly fainted
Talked for nigh onto 2 hours
The recording is well-nigh perfect
Virtually all the parties signed the contract
I was near exhausted by the run
Most everyone agrees
Near
Closer of two or more
Take the near street and then turn right.
Nearly
In a close manner;
The two phenomena are intimately connected
The person most nearly concerned
Near
Being on the left side of an animal or vehicle.
Near
Being the animal or vehicle on the left.
Near
Short and direct
The nearest route to town.
Near
(Archaic) Stingy; parsimonious.
Near
Close to
An inn near London.
Near
To come close or closer to
The plane neared the terminal.
Near
To draw near or nearer; approach
As the holiday nears.
Near
Physically close.
I can't see near objects very clearly without my glasses.
Stay near at all times.
Near
Close in time.
The end is near.
Near
Closely connected or related.
The deceased man had no near relatives.
Near
Close to one's interests, affection, etc.; intimate; dear.
A matter of near consequence to me.
A near friend
Near
Close to anything followed or imitated; not free, loose, or rambling.
A version near to the original
Near
So as barely to avoid or pass injury or loss; close; narrow.
A near escape
Near
Approximate, almost.
The two words are near synonyms.
Near
On the side nearest to the kerb (the left-hand side if one drives on the left).
The near front wheel came loose.
Near
(dated) Next to the driver, when he is on foot; (US) on the left of an animal or a team.
The near ox; the near leg
Near
(obsolete) Immediate; direct; close; short.
Near
Stingy; parsimonious.
Don't be near with your pocketbook.
Near
Within the currently selected segment in a segmented memory architecture.
A near pointer
Near
At or towards a position close in space or time. en
Near
Nearly; almost.
He was near unconscious when I found him.
I jumped into the near-freezing water.
I near ruptured myself trying to move the piano.
Near
Physically close to, in close proximity to.
There are habitable planets orbiting many of the stars near our Sun.
Near
Close to in time.
The voyage was near completion.
Near
Close to in nature or degree.
His opinions are near the limit of what is acceptable.
Near
(ambitransitive) To come closer to; to approach.
The ship nears the land.
Near
The left side of a horse or of a team of horses pulling a carriage etc.
Off side
Near
At a little distance, in place, time, manner, or degree; not remote; nigh.
My wife! my traitress! let her not come near me.
Near
Nearly; almost; well-nigh.
Near about the yearly value of the land.
Near
Closely; intimately.
Near
Not far distant in time, place, or degree; not remote; close at hand; adjacent; neighboring; nigh.
He served great Hector, and was ever near,Not with his trumpet only, but his spear.
Near
Closely connected or related.
She is thy father's near kinswoman.
Near
Close to one's interests, affection, etc.; touching, or affecting intimately; intimate; dear; as, a near friend.
Near
Close to anything followed or imitated; not free, loose, or rambling; as, a version near to the original.
Near
So as barely to avoid or pass injury or loss; close; narrow{3}; as, a near escape; a near miss.
Near
Immediate; direct; close; short.
Near
Close-fisted; parsimonious.
Near
To approach; to come nearer; as, the ship neared the land.
Near
To draw near; to approach.
A speck, a mist, a shape, I wist!And still it neared, and neared.
Near
Move towards;
We were approaching our destination
They are drawing near
The enemy army came nearer and nearer
Near
Not far distant in time or space or degree or circumstances;
Near neighbors
In the near future
They are near equals
His nearest approach to success
A very near thing
A near hit by the bomb
She was near tears
She was close to tears
Had a close call
Near
Being on the left side;
The near or nigh horse is the one on the left
The animal's left side is its near or nigh side
Near
Closely resembling the genuine article;
Near beer
A dress of near satin
Near
Giving or spending with reluctance;
Our cheeseparing administration
Very close (or near) with his money
A penny-pinching miserly old man
Near
With or in a close or intimate relationship;
A good friend
My sisters and brothers are near and dear
Near
Very close in resemblance;
Sketched in an approximate likeness
A near likeness
Near
Near in time or place or relationship;
As the wedding day drew near
Stood near the door
Don't shoot until they come near
Getting near to the true explanation
Her mother is always near
The end draws nigh
The bullet didn't come close
Don't get too close to the fire
Near
(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';
The job is (just) about done
The baby was almost asleep when the alarm sounded
We're almost finished
The car all but ran her down
He nearly fainted
Talked for nigh onto 2 hours
The recording is well-nigh perfect
Virtually all the parties signed the contract
I was near exhausted by the run
Most everyone agrees
Common Curiosities
Can near and nearly be used interchangeably?
No, near and nearly cannot be used interchangeably as they have distinct meanings relating to proximity and approximation, respectively.
Is nearly always about time or amount?
Nearly often relates to time, amount, or degree, indicating something is almost but not quite achieved.
What does nearly mean in a sentence?
Nearly means almost but not entirely or exactly in a sentence.
How does near indicate proximity?
Near indicates physical or temporal closeness, suggesting something is close by in space or time.
What is an example of nearly in terms of quantity?
"There are nearly 30 people in the room," meaning just short of 30.
Can nearly suggest a regret or missed opportunity?
Yes, nearly can suggest a close attempt that fell short, often implying a sense of regret or missed opportunity.
How does context affect the use of near and nearly?
The context determines whether spatial, temporal, or figurative proximity is being described (near) or if something is being described as almost occurring or being completed (nearly).
Does nearly imply a failure to meet a target?
Nearly can imply a close approach but not reaching a target, often without a negative connotation of failure.
Can near be used in a metaphorical sense?
Yes, near can be used metaphorically to describe closeness in relationships or similarities.
Does the use of nearly in a sentence always reduce certainty?
Nearly typically introduces a degree of approximation, suggesting that something is close to but not exactly at a certain state or number.
Can the use of near suggest immediacy?
Yes, using near can suggest that something is imminent or very close in terms of time or space.
Is nearly used for precise measurements?
Nearly is used more for approximations than for precise measurements.
Is near appropriate for describing distances only?
No, near can describe temporal proximity and relationships, not just physical distances.
How is near used in navigation or directions?
Near is used to indicate a location's proximity to a landmark or another location.
What role does nearly play in expressions of frequency?
Nearly can indicate that something happens almost every time or in most instances, without being absolute.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
