Word parts near + -ly Pronunciation (UK) IPA (key): /ˈnɪəli/ (US) IPA (key): /ˈnɪrli/ Audio (US)(file) Adverb Positive nearly Comparative none Superlative none If something is nearly it is close to be true, but not true. Synonym: almost He was nearly dead, but we revived him. We were nearly hit by the car, but got out of its way just in time. Wikiwand - on Seamless Wikipedia browsing. On steroids.Remove ads