WELL NIGH Meaning and
Definition
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The term "well nigh" refers to something that is very close to happening or being true, an expression that suggests extreme proximity or nearness. It is commonly used as an adverbial phrase, often preceding a verb or adjective, to emphasize the degree or intensity of something.
In a literal sense, "well nigh" conveys the idea of being so close that one can almost touch or grasp it. However, the phrase is more commonly employed in a figurative or metaphorical manner. It implies that a certain action, event, or condition is very close to happening or being achieved, almost to the point of inevitability or immediacy. Thus, it emphasizes a high level of possibility, likelihood or approximation.
For example, one might say, "He is well nigh exhausted," indicating that the person in question is extremely tired or very close to becoming completely fatigued. Similarly, "It is well nigh impossible to solve this puzzle," suggests that the task of solving the puzzle is extremely difficult or nearly impossible.
Overall, "well nigh" is a phrase commonly used to intensify the proximity or likelihood of something happening or being true. It serves as an expression emphasizing high approximation, degree, or intensity.
Common Misspellings for WELL NIGH
- wellnigh
- well-nigh
- qell nigh
- aell nigh
- sell nigh
- eell nigh
- 3ell nigh
- 2ell nigh
- wwll nigh
- wsll nigh
- wdll nigh
- wrll nigh
- w4ll nigh
- w3ll nigh
- wekl nigh
- wepl nigh
- weol nigh
- welk nigh
- welp nigh
- welo nigh
Etymology of WELL NIGH
The phrase "well nigh" is derived from Middle English and has its roots in Old English.
The word "well" originates from the Old English word "wel", meaning "well" or "in good health". It is cognate with the Old High German word "wol" and the Dutch word "wel". In this context, "well" is used to indicate something is done thoroughly or to a high degree.
The word "nigh" comes from the Old English word "neah" or "nieh", meaning "near" or "close". It is akin to the Old High German word "nahe" and the Old Norse word "nær". "Nigh" is used to refer to something being near or approaching.
Therefore, when these two words are combined, "well nigh" means "very nearly" or "almost".
