The phrase “almost no” is a commonly used expression in the English language. It is used to describe a situation where there is an extremely small amount of something, almost to the point of being nonexistent. In this article, we will explore the meaning and usage of the phrase “almost no.”
Definitions
The phrase “almost no” is used to describe a situation where there is an extremely small amount of something. It can be used to describe a physical quantity, such as “there is almost no water left in the bottle,” or an abstract concept, such as “there is almost no hope left for the project.”
Origin
The origin of the phrase “almost no” is unclear, but it is likely that it has been in use for centuries. The word “almost” comes from the Old English word “almæst,” which means “nearly all.” The word “no” comes from the Old English word “nā,” which means “not.”
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, “almost no” means “very little or none at all.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “nearly none.” The Cambridge English Dictionary defines it as “almost none.”
Associations
The phrase “almost no” is often associated with a sense of scarcity or lack. It can be used to describe a situation where there is a shortage of something, or where something is difficult to obtain. It can also be used to describe a situation where something is almost impossible to achieve.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for “almost no” include “nearly none,” “scarcely any,” “hardly any,” “barely any,” and “almost none.”
Antonyms
Antonyms for “almost no” include “plenty,” “abundance,” “ample,” “sufficient,” and “enough.”
The same root words
The root words of “almost no” are “almost” and “no.” “Almost” is derived from the Old English word “almæst,” which means “nearly all.” “No” is derived from the Old English word “nā,” which means “not.”
Example Sentences
- There is almost no milk left in the fridge.
- There are almost no people in the park today.
- The project has almost no chance of success.
- The store has almost no stock left.
- There is almost no time left to finish the assignment.