Almost
/ˈɔːlmoʊst/
adverbBeginnerVery CommonGeneral
Meaning
Questions
Definitions
1
Very close to; approaching but not fully reaching.
/ˈɔːlmoʊst/
adverbneutralBeginner
General
Very nearly; not quite.
I almost missed the train.
💡 Simply: Nearly, but not quite.
More Examples
2
The project is almost complete.
How It's Used
General
"The meeting is almost over."
Mathematical
"The answer is almost correct."
From Old English *almæst, composed of *all + *mæst ('most'). It evolved to mean 'very nearly' over time.
The use of 'almost' has remained largely consistent throughout history, primarily indicating nearness to a state or event.
Memory tip
Think 'all most' - meaning it's all but the most little bit.
Practice
almoustalmosttallmost
Usage
70%Spoken
30%Written