nearlier

Adverb

nearly (comparative nearlier or more nearly, superlative nearliest or most nearly)

1. In close approximation; almost, virtually.
   • He left a nearly full beer on the bar.

   Synonyms:

   environ

2. (archaic) With great scrutiny; carefully.
   • And whosoever hath traced mee and nearely [translating de pres] looked into my humours, Ile loose a good wager if hee confesse not that there is no rule in their schoole, could, a midde such crooked pathes and divers windings, square and report this naturall motion, and maintaine an apparance of...1603, Michel de Montaigne, chapter 1, in John Florio, transl., The Essayes […], book III, London: […] Val[entine] Simmes for Edward Blount […], →OCLC
3. With close relation; intimately.
   • Let that which he learns next be nearly conjoined with what he knows already.a. 1705, John Locke, “Of the Conduct of the Understanding”, in Posthumous Works of Mr. John Locke: […], London: […] A[wnsham] and J[ohn] Churchill, […], published 1706, →OCLC
4. Closely, in close proximity.
   • I doubt some danger do's approach you neerely.c. 1606 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Macbeth”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount...
5. Stingily.