Meaning & Definition of word "Nigh"

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    Nigh

    /naɪ/

    adjective:

    • 1. Nearby; close.
      • Example: The nigh road leads directly to the town.

    adverb:

    • 1. Near in distance or time.
      • Example: The deadline is nigh, and we need to finalize our project.
    • 2. Almost; nearly.
      • Example: The work is nigh complete, just a few more adjustments to make.
    • 3. Close to; near in a figurative sense.
      • Example: He has nigh given up hope of finding his lost puppy.

    Etymology

    Old English 'nigh', akin to the German 'nahe' meaning near.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    nigh on:

    Approximately; nearly.

    nigh as makes no difference:

    Almost the same; for practical purposes they are the same.

    Related Words

    nearby:

    Close at hand; not far away.

    approaching:

    To come near or nearer to.

    imminent:

    About to happen; looming.

    Slang Meanings of nigh

    Meaning: Close in time or space, often used humorously.

    Example Sentence: Our deadline is nigh, so we better hustle.

    Meaning: Almost complete, usually in a casual context.

    Example Sentence: I'm nigh done with this project.