almost
almost
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "almost" is /ˈɔːlmoʊst/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
First syllable (al-):
/ɔː/ as in "awe"
/l/ as in "light"
Second syllable (-most):
/m/ as in "mat"
/oʊ/ as in "boat"
/s/ as in "sip"
/t/ as in "top"
Word Form Variations
"Almost" is primarily an adverb, and as such, it does not typically have variations in word form like singular/plural, different tenses, or comparative/superlative forms. Its form remains consistent.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adverb
Definition 1: Very nearly; all but; only a little less than.
Synonyms: nearly, practically, virtually, approximately, well-nigh, close to
Antonyms: completely, entirely, fully, totally, exactly, precisely
Example: She was almost finished with her project when the power went out.
Definition 2: (Used to emphasize a surprising or unexpected proximity to a state or action) On the verge of; verging on.
Synonyms: just about, about to, on the point of, on the brink of
Antonyms: (Context-dependent, but generally implies being far from the state or action)
Example: He almost cried when he heard the good news.
Examples of Use
Books:
"It was an almost perfect day for a picnic, with the sun shining and a gentle breeze." (From a fictional novel)
"He could almost taste the victory, so close was the finish line." (From a sports-themed novel)
Newspapers:
"The city council's vote was almost unanimous, with only one dissenting voice." (Headline or lead sentence in a local newspaper)
"Experts warn that the new policy could almost certainly lead to a rise in unemployment." (Opinion piece in a major newspaper)
Online Publications:
"We're almost there! The crowdfunding campaign has reached 90% of its goal." (Blog post or news article on a crowdfunding platform)
"The new software update almost completely revolutionized the user interface." (Tech review on a website like The Verge or TechCrunch)
"Scientists are almost certain that the newly discovered exoplanet can support life." (Article on a science news website like Space.com or National Geographic)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film/TV: "You almost had me there!" (Dialogue from a suspense film or a comedic TV show)
Music: "And it's almost like nothing changed at all." (Lyrics from a popular song, generic example, e.g., "Almost Like Praying" by Lin-Manuel Miranda or "Almost There" from The Princess and the Frog)
Video Games: "You almost completed the mission, Commander, try again!" (In-game dialogue or message)
Podcasts: "We're almost out of time for this segment, but I want to touch on one more point." (Host's transition in a podcast)
Social Media: "My workout almost killed me today! #fitness #almostdied" (Personal post on Instagram or X (formerly Twitter))
General Public Discourse:
"I almost forgot to tell you about the party tonight!" (Casual conversation between friends)
"The traffic was so bad, I almost missed my flight." (Common complaint in everyday conversation)
"He's almost as tall as his father now." (Observation about growth or comparison)
"We almost bought that house, but decided against it at the last minute." (Discussion about past decisions)
10 Famous Quotes Using Almost
"Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you." — Anne Lamott
"We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master — almost." — Ernest Hemingway
"Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of a readiness to die." — G.K. Chesterton
"Almost doesn't count — except in horseshoes and hand grenades." — Proverb (often used by coaches, soldiers, and commentators)
"It was almost love, it was almost always." — Jewel, “Foolish Games”
"We are always the same age inside. Almost." — Gertrude Stein (adapted)
"I almost wish we were butterflies and lived but three summer days — three such days with you I could fill with more delight than fifty common years could ever contain." — John Keats
"Almost all absurdity of conduct arises from the imitation of those whom we cannot resemble." — Samuel Johnson
"I almost died for a cause I didn’t believe in. Never again." — Muhammad Ali (referring to his draft refusal)
"The world is full of people who have never, since childhood, met an open doorway with an open mind — almost tragically." — E.B. White (paraphrased from essays)
Etymology
The word "almost" has a pretty straightforward and old-fashioned family tree!
It comes from Old English, specifically from the words "eal" (meaning "all") and "mæst" (meaning "most").
So, if you put them together, "eal-mæst" literally meant "all most" or "entirely most." This might sound a bit strange to our modern ears, but it conveyed the idea of being very nearly or to the greatest degree possible close to something.
The first known use and meaning of "almost" (or its Old English ancestor) was exactly what it means today: very nearly; all but; on the verge of. It was used to express being just a little bit short of a complete state or action. Imagine someone in Old English saying "I have eal-mæst finished the bread," meaning they were very close to being done baking. The core meaning has really stayed consistent throughout its long history.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Almost
Almost perfect: Very close to being without flaws.
Almost certainly: Highly probable; very likely to happen.
Almost always: Nearly every time; on most occasions.
Almost as good as: Very similar in quality or effect.
Almost there: Close to reaching a destination or goal.
Almost had it: Came very close to achieving something but ultimately failed.
Almost nothing: A very small amount or insignificant quantity.
Almost next to impossible: Extremely difficult, bordering on unachievable.
Practically speaking: (Using a synonym) In a realistic or practical sense.
Nearly impossible: (Using a synonym) Extremely difficult to achieve.
Virtually guaranteed: (Using a synonym) Almost certainly assured.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of almost from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
