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Dictionary Page: Almost

Almost

Part of Speech

Adverb

Pronunciation

/ˈɔːlməʊst/

Definitions

  1. Very nearly, but not completely; close to.
  2. In a way that is nearly the same as or very similar to something.

Usage Examples

  • She almost finished the book before the train arrived.
  • He almost missed his flight, but just made it in time.

Etymology

The word "almost" comes from the Middle English "almost," meaning "nearly," derived from the Old English "eallmæst," a combination of "eall" (meaning "all") and "mæst" (meaning "most"). The phrase originally implied "all but" or "almost entirely."

Synonyms

  • Nearly
  • Virtually
  • Close to
  • Practically
  • About

Antonyms

  • Completely
  • Entirely
  • Totally
  • Fully
  • Wholly

Translations

Language Translation Pronunciation
Spanish Casi /ˈkasi/
French Presque /pʁɛsk/
German Fast /fast/
Italian Quasi /ˈkwazi/
Portuguese Quase /ˈkwazi/
Hindi लगभग (Lagbhag) /lʌɡˈbʌɡ/
Arabic تقريباً (Taqreeban) /taqrīban/
Mandarin Chinese 几乎 (Jīhū) /dʒiːˈhuː/
Japanese ほとんど (Hotondo) /hoˈtonˈdo/
Korean 거의 (Geo-e) /kʌi/

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "almost" remains relatively consistent across different English-speaking regions. However, speakers in certain areas, such as the United States, may pronounce the "l" in "almost" more distinctly compared to British English, where the "l" may be softer or almost silent in some accents.

Historical Usage

The word "almost" has been in use since the Middle Ages, with the earliest recorded use in English found in the 14th century. It was derived from the Old English "eallmæst," reflecting the language's tendency to combine "all" and "most" to express a state of being nearly complete or entirely close to an outcome.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, the term "almost" reflects a notion of proximity or near success. In English, it is often used in expressions of regret or relief, such as "I almost made it" or "You almost had it." It carries a sense of being on the edge of success, yet falling short of a complete outcome.

More Information

The term "almost" is an adverb that has widespread use in both written and spoken English. It conveys a sense of nearly achieving something or being very close to a particular state. The word is also commonly used in various idiomatic expressions, such as "almost there," "almost finished," and "almost time." It signifies a degree of proximity, both in physical and abstract contexts.

In addition to its primary use as an adverb, "almost" is also used in certain colloquial expressions to convey emphasis or exaggeration. For example, saying "I almost died laughing" emphasizes the intensity of the experience. Though the term itself may seem simple, it plays a crucial role in expressing nuance in communication, whether in casual conversation or literary contexts.

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