Langimage
English

closely

|close/ly|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˈkloʊsli/

🇬🇧

/ˈkləʊsli/

(close)

end or conclude

Base Form3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleComparativeNounNounNounVerbAdjectiveAdjectiveAdjectiveAdverb
closeclosesclosedclosedclosingcloserclosureclosenesscloserclosingclosedclosableclosed-offclosely
Etymology
Etymology Information

'closely' originates from the Old English word 'clōsian,' which meant 'to shut or enclose.'

Historical Evolution

'clōsian' transformed into the Middle English word 'clos,' and eventually became the modern English word 'close.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to shut or enclose,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'in a near or careful manner.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adverb 1

in a way that is very near in space or time.

The two houses are built closely together.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Adverb 2

in a way that is very similar or almost the same.

The twins resemble each other closely.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Adverb 3

in a careful and detailed manner.

She examined the document closely.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39