German word

schier

Pronunciation

IPA/ʃiːɐ̯/

Meaning

  • adverbalmost

Example

Das Ergebnis war schier perfekt.

The result was almost perfect.

Illustration for schier (almost)

More examples

Die Reparatur war schier unmöglich.

The repair was almost impossible.

Core concept

A finished-looking result with only a narrow gap before complete fulfillment.

Common phrases

  • schier unmöglich

    almost impossible

  • schier unglaublich

    almost unbelievable

  • schier endlos

    almost endless

Similar words

fast: Indicating in everyday speech that something is nearly true or complete.
praktisch: Virtually true or complete in its practical effect, without being fully so.
beinahe: Just short of taking place, being achieved, or becoming real.
nahezu: Very close to the full amount or degree, in somewhat formal usage.

Definition in German

Drückt aus, dass etwas beinahe vollständig ist und oft in gehobener oder schriftlicher Sprache vorkommt.

Word origin

Schier continues Middle High German schier and Old High German scīr, a Germanic word meaning 'pure' or 'clear'; its adverbial use later developed the sense 'nearly'.

Usage tips

  • Schier is an elevated or literary adverb, while fast is usually more natural in everyday conversation.

Opposites

Word lists with this word