Dictionary monolingual
English
Almost
ˈɔlˌmoʊst
Extremely common
300 - 400
300 - 400
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Almost -
Nearly all but not entirely
Example: I almost missed the bus.
Usage: informalContext: everyday situations
Note: Used to indicate a situation where something came very close to happening but did not quite occur.
Very close to but not quite
Example: She's almost finished with her homework.
Usage: formalContext: academic or professional settings
Note: Commonly used to express a degree of completion or proximity to a goal.
Slightly short of; not quite
Example: The movie is almost three hours long.
Usage: informalContext: discussing measurements or quantities
Note: Used when referring to a quantity or measurement that is just short of a specific amount.
Almost's synonyms
nearly
Almost means very close to but not completely. Nearly is used to indicate a small remaining amount or distance before reaching a goal or completion.
Example: I am nearly finished with my homework.
Note: Nearly implies a slight gap or small margin remaining.
virtually
Virtually means almost entirely or very nearly. It is used to emphasize the extent or degree of closeness to a particular condition or state.
Example: She is virtually unstoppable when she's determined.
Note: Virtually emphasizes the nearness to completeness or accuracy.
practically
Practically means almost or very nearly, often implying that something is almost true or certain. It is used to suggest a high degree of likelihood or nearness to completion.
Example: The project is practically finished; we just need to add a few final touches.
Note: Practically often implies a sense of practicality or feasibility in addition to nearness.
Almost expressions, common phrases
Close to
This phrase means being near to achieving something or being almost at a particular point.
Example: I was close to finishing the project when my computer crashed.
Note: While 'almost' implies nearing completion, 'close to' specifically suggests proximity to a certain goal or endpoint.
On the verge of
This phrase indicates being very close to a particular state or action, often implying a significant change or reaction.
Example: She was on the verge of tears after hearing the news.
Note: It emphasizes the impending nature of reaching a point, whereas 'almost' is more general in indicating near completion.
Just about
This phrase signifies coming very close to achieving or completing something.
Example: I just about made it to the bus stop before the bus arrived.
Note: It conveys a sense of being extremely close, often implying a narrow margin, in contrast to the broader meaning of 'almost'.
Nearing
This phrase suggests approaching or getting close to a particular point or goal.
Example: The project is nearing completion, and we expect to finish it by tomorrow.
Note: While 'almost' indicates proximity to completion, 'nearing' specifically focuses on the progress towards reaching a specific point.
Just short of
This phrase means coming very close to achieving something but falling slightly or narrowly behind.
Example: She fell just short of breaking the world record in the race.
Note: It highlights a near miss or falling slightly below the expected mark, distinguishing it from the more general sense of 'almost'.
Near to
This phrase indicates being in close proximity to completing a task or achieving a goal.
Example: We are near to finalizing the deal with the new client.
Note: It emphasizes the closeness or proximity to completion, similar to 'almost', but with a focus on the immediate vicinity.
Cusp of
This phrase suggests being on the brink or edge of a significant development or achievement.
Example: The company is on the cusp of a major breakthrough in technology.
Note: It conveys a sense of being at the threshold of a notable event or change, indicating a critical point, distinct from the more general notion of 'almost'.
Almost everyday (slang) expressions
Just shy of
This term implies that the person was very close to achieving something but fell slightly short.
Example: I was just shy of winning the race.
Note: Unlike 'almost,' 'just shy of' emphasizes falling slightly short rather than being close.
Within a hair's breadth of
This means being extremely close to accomplishing something, with only a tiny distance or effort left.
Example: She was within a hair's breadth of solving the puzzle.
Note: It emphasizes the minuscule distance remaining, conveying a high level of proximity.
Within spitting distance of
Expresses being very close to something or someone, almost within reach.
Example: The car was within spitting distance of the finish line.
Note: It adds a playful or colloquial tone to being close, emphasizing easiness of reaching the destination.
Just a hair away from
Indicates a very small distance or effort away from achieving a goal or result.
Example: You were just a hair away from getting the job.
Note: Similar to 'almost,' but 'just a hair away from' highlights the fine margin separating achievement.
On the brink of
Describes being at the point where a particular situation or emotion is about to happen.
Example: She was on the brink of tears.
Note: While 'almost' denotes proximity, 'on the brink of' implies a critical juncture or imminent occurrence.
Within striking distance of
Means being close enough to make a decisive or effective move toward achieving a goal.
Example: The team was within striking distance of victory.
Note: It suggests being very close to taking action or making a significant impact, adding a sense of readiness or capability.
Teetering on the edge of
Conveys being very close to a particular state or outcome, with a sense of precariousness or instability.
Example: The project is teetering on the edge of success.
Note: Unlike 'almost,' 'teetering on the edge of' implies a delicate balance, indicating a potential for success or failure.
Almost - Examples
Almost everyone came to the party.
We are almost there.
She almost forgot her keys.
Almost grammar
Almost - Adverb (Adverb) / Adverb (Adverb)
Lemma: almost
Conjugations
Adverb (Adverb): almost
Syllables, Separation and Stress
almost Contains 2 syllables: al • most
Phonetic transcription: ˈȯl-ˌmōst
al most , ˈȯl ˌmōst (The red syllable is stressed)
Almost - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
almost: 300 - 400 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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