What does nigh mean?
“Nigh” is an old-fashioned English word meaning near, close, or almost. It can describe something close in space or time, as in “the storm was nigh,” and it can also mean very nearly, as in “well-nigh impossible.” Its best-known use is in the phrase “nigh at hand,” meaning close by or about to occur. The word also appears in expressions such as “come nigh,” meaning approach closely, and in dramatic warnings that something is imminent. Although “nigh” sounds archaic today, it remains useful in formal, literary, historical, and deliberately elevated writing. In ordinary conversation, “near,” “close,” and “almost” are more natural and generally preferred. Its continued presence in a few familiar expressions gives it a memorable combination of simplicity and ceremonial weight.
Near in place, time, or degree; close.
"The enemy was nigh, and the defenders prepared to resist."
Near or close; almost or very nearly.
"The child was well-nigh asleep when the bell rang."
Near to or close to.
"They heard voices nigh the river."
Once a standard word for proximity, “nigh” survives most vividly in dramatic formulas such as “the hour is nigh.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nigh come from?
“Nigh” descends from Old English neah, an adjective, adverb, and preposition meaning near, close, or almost. The word belongs to the Germanic family and is related to modern English “near,” as well as to forms such as “next” and “neighbour” that developed from the same broad root. In Middle English, “nigh” remained common, but it gradually became less usual in general speech and survived mainly in literary and fixed expressions.
Related word forms
How nigh is actually used
This word has a literary and archaic tone in modern English. “Near” is the usual neutral choice, while “nigh” is especially common in fixed expressions and dramatic or historical prose.
Easily confused with nigh
“Nigh” means near or almost, whereas “night” refers to the period of darkness.