Nigh

/naɪ/ · adjective

Meaning

(archaic, poetic) Near, close by..

Definitions by Sense

1. (archaic, poetic) Near, close by.
2. Not remote in degree, kindred, circumstances, etc.; closely allied; intimate.
3. (ambitransitive) to draw nigh (to); to approach; to come near
4. Almost, nearly.
5. near; close to

Example Sentences

The end is nigh!

Daybreak is drawing nigh.

a. 1831, Ludovico Ariosto, William Stewart Rose (translator), Orlando Furioso, 2006, Echo Library, page 185, He at his head took aim who stood most nigh;

For with ſuch puiſſance and impetuous maine / Thoſe Champions broke on them, that forſt the fly, / Like ſcattered Sheepe, whenas the Shepherds ſwaine / A Lyon and a Tigre doth eſpye, / With greedy pace forth ruſhing from the foreſt nye.

By these and many histories more, it is most evident, that the more nigh salvation and deliverance approach, the more vehement is temptation and trouble.

The enemy, somewhat imboldened, draws nigher to the fort.

You then went to St. Andrews, the nighest ocean port.

The end is nigh (or at least it was supposed to be), but the Pacers in northern England kept plugging away providing a service while awaiting the much-delayed arrival of their replacements.

Synonyms for nigh

Antonyms for nigh

Related Words

Word Forms

• nigher
• more nigh
• nighest
• most nigh
• nighs
• nighing
• nighed
• ny

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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