almost

word

/ˈɔɫˌmoʊst/
AWL-mohst
/ˈɔːlməʊst/
AWL-mohst

Definition

Used to say that something is very close to being complete, true, or happening but is not entirely so.

Usage & Nuances

Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. Often paired with numbers or quantities (e.g., almost done, almost ten). Can sometimes be confused with 'nearly' but they are interchangeable in most cases.

Example Sentences

The glass is almost full.

basic

She’s almost as tall as her brother now.

natural

I’d almost call it a success.

natural

I am almost ready to go.

basic

He is almost ten years old.

basic

I almost forgot your birthday!

natural