FluencyCraft

closely

"Closely" is an adverb with a handful of related but distinct meanings. At its heart, it describes doing something in a way that involves nearness — whether that's physical distance, careful attention, or a strong connection. Here are the most common ways you'll encounter it.

1adverbnear in distance

When people or things are physically very near to each other, you can say they are 'closely' positioned. Think of it as the opposite of 'far apart' — there is very little space between them.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

The students sat closely together on the small bench.

The houses in the old town are closely packed, with almost no space between them.

She held her bag closely to her body on the crowded train.

2adverbwith careful attention

When you watch, listen, or examine something 'closely', you are paying very careful attention to every detail. You are not being casual — you are focused and thorough. This is probably the most common use you will see.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

Please read the instructions closely before you begin the test.

The detective closely examined the evidence at the crime scene.

She watched the cooking video closely so she could copy every step.

3adverbin a strongly connected way

When two things or people are 'closely' related, linked, or connected, it means the relationship between them is strong and direct. There is not much distance — in meaning, in family, or in ideas — between them.

everyday language, science, business · Modern, widely used

The two languages are closely related, so speakers can sometimes understand each other.

Diet and health are closely linked — what you eat affects how you feel.

She works closely with her manager to plan the team's projects.

4adverbby a very small margin

When a competition, vote, or result is decided 'closely', it means the difference between the two sides was very small. Nobody won easily — it was almost equal.

sports, politics, everyday language · Modern, widely used

The election was closely contested, with only a few hundred votes separating the candidates.

The two runners finished so closely that the judges had to review the video.

The match was closely fought, and neither team gave up until the final second.

Content generated by AI — may contain inaccuracies