(adv) (of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but, Syn. nearly, nigh, almost, most, well-nigh, near, virtually, Example: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
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English (GCIDE) v.0.53 Collaborative International Dictionary (GCIDE)