closely and nearly share a recorded sense, so the question is not what they mean but which one fits. closely means “in a close relation or position in time or space”. nearly means “(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but”. nearly is the more common of the two in everyday English.
/ˈkloʊsli/
1.adv.in a close relation or position in time or space
“the onsets were closely timed”
2.adv.in an attentive manner
“he remained close on his guard”
3.adv.in a close manner
“the two phenomena are intimately connected”
/ˈnɪɹli/
1.adv.(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
“the job is (just) about done”
2.adv.in a close manner
“the two phenomena are intimately connected”
| closely | nearly | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈkloʊsli/ | /ˈnɪɹli/ |
| Said | KLOH-slee | NIR-lee |
| Syllables | 2 | 2 |
| Letters | 7 | 6 |
| Parts of speech | adverb | adverb |
| Senses | 3 | 2 |
| How common | Common | Core |
| Synonyms | none recorded | about, almost, most |
Full entry for closely · Full entry for nearly · More comparisons