Pronunciation: [nˌi͡əli ˈɔːl] (IPA) 
The phrase "nearly all" is commonly spelled just as it sounds: neer-lee awl. The first word, "nearly," is pronounced with a short "e" sound and a stress on the first syllable. The second word, "all," is pronounced with a long "a" sound and no stress, making it a common schwa sound. The two words together indicate a phrase meaning "almost every" or "close to all," and are often used interchangeably with the term "most."
Nearly all is an idiomatic expression that refers to an overwhelming majority or almost all of a particular group or quantity. It signifies a high degree of inclusiveness, indicating that a very large portion or almost all of something or someone is being considered or described. The term "nearly" emphasizes a very close proximity to the complete whole, while "all" denotes the entirety or the maximum extent possible.
When used in a descriptive context, nearly all implies that a few exceptions or a small percentage may exist, but the vast majority falls within the category or group being referred to. It is often used to highlight a prevailing characteristic or a general consensus among a large population. For instance, when talking about a consensus opinion, one may say that nearly all experts agree on a certain matter, acknowledging that a few outliers may hold a different viewpoint.
In quantitative terms, nearly all implies that a significant proportion or almost all of something is included or accounted for. For example, in a statement like "nearly all the students passed the test," it implies that the majority of students were successful, with just a few exceptions. This phrase conveys a sense of a close and inclusive approximation to the full amount or quantity being discussed.
In summary, the term "nearly all" conveys the idea of a substantial majority or inclusiveness, indicating that a very large portion or almost all of something or someone is involved, while acknowledging the possibility of a few exceptions or outliers.
The term "nearly all" consists of two words: "nearly" and "all", each with its own etymology.
1. "Nearly":
The word "nearly" originated from the Old English word "nearlice", which means "closely" or "almost". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "nauhrlīkon", meaning "as closely as possible". Over time, "nearlice" transformed into "nearly", retaining the sense of proximity or proximity to completion.
2. "All":
The word "all" has roots in Old English as well. It comes from the Old English word "eall", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic "alnaz". This word broadly meant "whole" or "entire". Eventually, it evolved into "all", maintaining its original sense of inclusiveness.
