Nigh Definition
nigh
adverb
- near in time or place or relationship; "as the wedding day drew near"; "stood near the door"; "don't shoot until they come near"; "getting near to the true explanation"; "her mother is always near"; "The end draws nigh"; "the bullet didn't come close"; "don't get too close to the fire"
- (of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but; "the job is (just) about done"; "the baby was almost asleep when the alarm sounded"; "we're almost finished"; "the car all but ran her down"; "he nearly fainted"; "talked for nigh onto 2 hours"; "the recording is well-nigh perfect"; "virtually all the parties signed the contract"; "I was near exhausted by the run"; "most everyone agrees"
adjective
- not far distant in time or space or degree or circumstances; "near neighbors"; "in the near future"; "they are near equals"; "his nearest approach to success"; "a very near thing"; "a near hit by the bomb"; "she was near tears"; "she was close to tears"; "had a close call"
- being on the left side; "the near or nigh horse is the one on the left"; "the animal's left side is its near or nigh side"
"Nigh" in song lyrics
See how nigh is used in real songs:
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"Hold on deliverance is nigh"
The Cross Movement — Catch 22 -
"Resist the devil he flees, God draws nigh"
Knowdaverbs f/ Advocates, 1/2 Breed, Soul Snatchas — Iguanas in the Midst -
"Taking no notice that she is so nigh,"
William Shakespeare — Venus and Adonis
Words that rhyme with nigh
Usage tips for "nigh"
Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "nigh" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for nigh to find words that pair well.