Meaning & Definition of word "Nigh"

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.