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almost

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almost there

1. Soon to be or nearly at, to, or in a given location. Don't get so restless, Mary, we're almost there.

2. Soon to be or nearly finished with some goal or task. Almost there, everyone! We just need three more orders filled and we'll be done.

See also: almost

almost doesn't count

Nearly doing?something is not the same as actually doing it. A: "Come on Mom, I almost cleaned my whole room!" B: "I asked you to clean your room this weekend before company comes, and almost doesn't count!"

See also: almost, count

almost lost it

Nearly erupted in an intense display of emotion, usually anger or laughter. I almost lost it on the waitress after she messed up my order for the third time. Paul almost lost it at the airport when he found out that his luggage was missing. Wow, when he slipped on that banana peel, I almost lost it.

See also: almost, lost

almost never

Hardly ever. I almost never go out on Friday nights anymore—I'm too old for that! We almost never travel, so this vacation is a rare treat for us.

See also: almost, never

almost lost it

Fig. to nearly lose one's temper, composure, or control, as out of anger. I was so mad, I almost lost it. When he saw the dent in his fender, he almost lost it.

See also: almost, lost

sort of

 and kind of

Yes, but only to a small degree. Bob: Do you like what you're doing in school? Alice: Kind of. Henry: What do you think about all these new laws? Do they worry you? John: Sort of.

See also: of, sort

sort of something

 and kind of something

almost something; somewhat; somehow. Isn't it sort of cold out? That was kind of a stupid thing to do, wasn't it?

See also: of, sort

almost never

very rarely Documentary films almost never win prizes.

See also: almost, never

sort of

to some degree kind of It seemed to be sort of a cross between an oyster and a mushroom.

Usage notes: sometimes used to show that you are not certain about something: I'm sort of at an age where I just want things to be a little more orderly.

See also: of, sort

sort of

Informal

Somewhat; rather: "Gambling and prostitution ... have been prohibited, but only sort of" (George F. Will).

See also: of, sort