nigh

Everyday

1. (old) Nigh means near, either in place or in time: «The end is nigh». tree →
2. Nigh on or well nigh means almost or nearly: «It took nigh on an hour». tree →
3. (UK, dialect) Some people in parts of England still use «nigh» in everyday speech for near. tree →

In the lessons

Mostly in old stories, poems, the Bible and fairy tales, or in jokey speech. Phrases: «the end is nigh», «well nigh impossible», «nigh on», «draw nigh».

Examples

• The end is nigh! shouted the man with the sign. tree →
• Winter is drawing nigh. tree →
• It was well nigh impossible to see in the fog. tree →
• We waited nigh on two hours for the bus. tree →
• (Bible) «The kingdom of God is nigh at hand.» tree →
• The knight rode nigh to the castle. tree →
• Bedtime is nigh, so brush your teeth. tree →
• Grandad says it's nigh on ten miles to the coast. tree →
• After running seven miles or so, Pinocchio was well-nigh exhausted. tree →

Note

Say «nye», rhymes with «sky». The gh is silent, as in «night» and «high». Old-fashioned; in normal writing use «near» or «nearly». In maths problems, «nigh on 50» means almost 50, a bit less.

In Jewish tradition

An old word for "near", used in the Torah.

Interpretation. "Come nigh" often means approaching the Tabernacle, which the law forbids to those not chosen. The verse "the word is very nigh unto thee" teaches that the Torah is within reach of everyone.

Examples

• When thou drawest nigh unto a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace unto it. (Torah DEU.20.10, JPS 1917) tree →
• And henceforth the children of Israel shall not come nigh the tent of meeting, lest they bear sin, and die. (Torah NUM.18.22, JPS 1917) tree →
• But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it. (Torah DEU.30.14, JPS 1917) tree →
• Thou art nigh, O LORD; and all Thy commandments are truth. (Writings PSA.119.151, JPS 1917) tree →
• They draw nigh that follow after wickedness; they are far from Thy law. (Writings PSA.119.150, JPS 1917) tree →
• Draw nigh unto my soul, and redeem it; ransom me because of mine enemies. (Writings PSA.69.19, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Say «nye», rhymes with «sky». The gh is silent, as in «night» and «high». Old-fashioned; in normal writing use «near» or «nearly». In maths problems, «nigh on 50» means almost 50, a bit less.

Early Modern English

Meaning

Close by, in place or in time. tree →

Then and now

Old-fashioned; today we say "near" or "close", and "nigh" is used only in old or literary writing.

Examples

• When thou drawest nigh unto a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace unto it. (Torah DEU.20.10, JPS 1917) tree →
• Art drew nigh unobserved and brought him low. (Irish Fairy Tales) tree →
• And henceforth the children of Israel shall not come nigh the tent of meeting, lest they bear sin, and die. (Torah NUM.18.22, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Today: near.