Cool MateNearly vs Roughly
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Nearly | Roughly | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | almost or very close to something | Approximately, not exactly |
| CEFR level | A2 | B2 |
| Part of speech | adverb | adverb |
| Usage notes | Use 'nearly' to indicate something is close to happening or to a specific amount, suitable in both spoken and written contexts. Avoid using it in formal academic writing where more precise language is preferred. | Use 'roughly' when you want to give an estimate or approximation. It’s neutral and suitable for most contexts, but avoid in very formal writing. |
Frequently asked questions: Nearly vs Roughly
What's the difference between "Nearly" and "Roughly"?
"Nearly" means: almost or very close to something "Roughly" means: Approximately, not exactly
When should I use "Nearly" and "Roughly"?
They can all be used in everyday English.
Are "Nearly" and "Roughly" the same CEFR level?
"Nearly" is at A2, "Roughly" is at B2 on the CEFR scale.