2.152 USAGE NOTE

The first group in the list above are used almost always just to indicate the extent of a quality. They are most commonly used with classifying adjectives.

• It was an almost automatic reflex.
• .... described in exclusively human terms.
• Kashmir is a largely muslim state.
• The wolf is now nearly extinct.
• The reasons for this were partly economic and practical, and partly political and social.

'Almost' and 'nearly' are also be used with qualitative adjectives.

• The club was almost empty.
• It was nearly dark.

Note that 'roughly' can be used when you want to say that something is nearly or approximately like something else.

• West Germany, Japan and Sweden are at roughly similar levels of economic development.

Note also that 'half' can sometimes be used in this way. For example, you can describe someone as 'half American' if just one of their parents was American.

2.153

The second group in the list above are used not only to indicate the extent of a quality but also to emphasize the adjective. They can be used with classifying adjectives as well as qualitative adjectives.

• You're absolutely right.
• This policy has been completely unsuccessful.
• Everyone appeared to be completely unaware of the fact.
• The discussion was purely theoretical.
• It really is quite astonishing.
• ...a totally new situation.
• We lived totally separate lives.
• ...utterly trivial matters.

Note that 'absolutely' is frequently used with qualitative adjectives which express enthusiasm or lack of enthusiasm. When you use 'absolutely' in this way you are emphasizing how strongly you feel about what you are saying.

• ...an absolutely absurd sermon.
• I think it's absolutely wonderful.
• The enquiry is absolutely crucial.

Here is a list of qualitative adjectives often emphasized by 'absolutely':

• absurd, awful, brilliant, certain, crucial, enormous, essential, excellent, furious, huge, impossible, massive, perfect, splendid, terrible, vital, wonderful

Note also that 'completely' and 'utterly' can also be used in this way.

• It is completely impossible to imagine such a world.
• He began to feel utterly miserable.