How Do You Spell NIGH?

Pronunciation: [nˈa͡ɪ] (IPA)

The word "nigh" is spelled as /naɪ/. This is pronounced as a monophthong of the vowel sound /aɪ/, which sounds like "ahy". The spelling of this word seems phonetically consistent with its pronunciation, as the combination of two vowel sounds with different articulations produces the diphthong "ay". In contemporary English, "nigh" is used as an archaic or poetic alternative to "near" or "close". It can also be used as an adverb to indicate a temporal proximity, or as an adjective to describe something that is almost at hand.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
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NIGH Meaning and Definition

  1. The word "nigh" functions as an adverb and an adjective in the English language. As an adverb, it means "near or close in space, time, or relationship." It indicates proximity in terms of distance or time, suggesting that something is in the immediate vicinity or approaching quickly. For instance, if an event is nigh, it is imminent or about to occur in the near future. As an adjective, "nigh" refers to something that is close or nearby in distance or time. Similar to its adverb form, it suggests that something is imminent or rapidly approaching. The adjective form is typically used in expressions such as "the nigh side," meaning the close or near side of something, or "nigh neighbors," referring to neighbors who are physically nearby. "Nigh" is a somewhat archaic term and is less frequently used in modern English compared to its synonym "near." Nonetheless, it retains a sense of poetic or literary elegance when employed in specific contexts. Overall, "nigh" serves as a versatile term for describing things that are nearby or close in proximity, whether in space or time.

  2. • Near.
    • Near; not distant or remote in time or place; contiguous; closely allied by blood; close in fellowship.
    • Near to a place; almost; near by.
    • Near; almost close to.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for NIGH

Etymology of NIGH

The word "nigh" has Old English origins. It can be traced back to the Old English word "neah", which means "near" or "close". Over time, "neah" evolved to "nigh" in Middle English. The word has remained largely the same in terms of its meaning and pronunciation since then.

Idioms with the word NIGH

  • might(y) nigh The idiom "mighty nigh" means very close or near, suggesting that something or someone is almost at a certain point or state. It highlights that there is a small remaining distance or time until the desired outcome or condition is reached.

Similar spelling words for NIGH

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