“As near as dammit” is a phrase that is commonly used in the English language. It is a colloquial expression that is often used to express the idea of being very close to something or someone. This article will explore the meaning and origins of this phrase, its associations, synonyms, antonyms, and usage in example sentences.
Definitions
The phrase “as near as dammit” is an idiomatic expression that means “almost exactly” or “very close to.” It is often used to describe something that is not quite perfect, but is very close to it. It can also be used to describe something that is almost true, but not quite.
Origin
The origin of the phrase “as near as dammit” is not certain, but it is believed to have originated in the UK. The word “dammit” in this phrase is thought to be a corruption of the word “damn,” which was considered a swear word in the past. The phrase “as near as damn it” was used in the 19th century, and it is believed that “dammit” was a more socially acceptable version of the word “damn.”
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, “as near as dammit” means “as nearly as possible; very closely.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “almost exactly the same.” The Cambridge Dictionary describes it as “almost exactly the same, or almost as good as it needs to be.”
Associations
The phrase “as near as dammit” is often associated with informal language and is commonly used in spoken English. It is also associated with the idea of approximation, where something is not quite perfect but is very close to it.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of “as near as dammit” include “almost,” “nearly,” “virtually,” “practically,” and “essentially.”
Antonyms
Some antonyms of “as near as dammit” include “far from,” “completely,” “totally,” “absolutely,” and “utterly.”
The same root words
The phrase “as near as dammit” does not have any root words, but the word “dammit” is thought to be a corruption of the word “damn.”
Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences that use the phrase “as near as dammit”:
- The new car is as near as dammit to being perfect.
- The team came as near as dammit to winning the championship.
- The cake was as near as dammit to being delicious.
- The painting was as near as dammit to being a masterpiece.
- The film was as near as dammit to being a box office hit.
The phrase “as near as dammit” is a colloquial expression that is commonly used in the English language. It is often used to describe something that is almost perfect or almost true. The phrase has its origins in the UK and is associated with informal language and approximation. Synonyms of the phrase include “almost” and “nearly,” while antonyms include “far from” and “completely.”