How do you use "close"?

This verb is transitive when you move the object, but can be intransitive if the object moves itself (e.g., 'the door closed'). Often used with 'down' to describe a business stopping operations permanently. Usually followed by the preposition 'to'.

close — meaning, definition & examples

Q: What does "close" mean?

1. (to shut) to move something so that an opening is covered or blocked. 2. (to finish or end) to bring something to an end, like a meeting or a bank account. 3. (near in distance) only a short distance away in space or time. 4. (near in relationship) knowing someone very well and liking them very much. 5. (careful or detailed) looking at something very carefully to see all the details. 6. (the end) the end of a period of time or an activity. 7. (a dead-end street) a small street that has no way out at one end. 8. (near) near to someone or something.

Word

01to shut

A1 · Beginner

v. to move something so that an opening is covered or blocked.

v. to move a door, lid, or cover into a position that obstructs an aperture. Pronounced with a /z/ sound.

“Please close the window if you feel a cold breeze coming in.”

“The heavy oak doors close automatically once the security system is engaged at midnight.”

Usage

This verb is transitive when you move the object, but can be intransitive if the object moves itself (e.g., 'the door closed').

Synonyms

shut seal

Antonyms

open

02to finish or end

A2 · Elementary

v. to bring something to an end, like a meeting or a bank account.

v. to bring an activity, period of time, or commercial arrangement to a conclusion. Pronounced with a /z/ sound.

“The shop will close for the holidays starting next Monday.”

“The chairman decided to close the session early after the committee reached a unanimous decision on the budget.”

Usage

Often used with 'down' to describe a business stopping operations permanently.

Synonyms

finish terminate conclude

Antonyms

start open

03near in distance

A1 · Beginner

adj. only a short distance away in space or time.

adj. situated at only a slight distance in space or time. Pronounced with an /s/ sound.

“Our house is very close to the train station, so it is easy to travel.”

“The hotel is situated in a prime location, close to both the financial district and the historic waterfront.”

Usage

Usually followed by the preposition 'to'.

Synonyms

near nearby adjacent

Antonyms

far distant

04near in relationship

A2 · Elementary

adj. knowing someone very well and liking them very much.

adj. characterised by a strong emotional bond or intimate relationship. Pronounced with an /s/ sound.

“She has a very close relationship with her sister and they talk every day.”

“Despite living in different countries for a decade, they remained close friends through regular correspondence.”

Synonyms

intimate dear

Antonyms

distant estranged

05careful or detailed

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adj. looking at something very carefully to see all the details.

adj. characterised by strict attention to detail or rigorous observation. Pronounced with an /s/ sound.

“On close inspection, the painting appeared to be a clever copy.”

“A close examination of the data revealed several inconsistencies that the initial researchers had overlooked.”

Synonyms

careful thorough detailed

Antonyms

cursory careless

06the end

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. the end of a period of time or an activity.

n. the conclusion or termination of an event or period. Pronounced with a /z/ sound.

“The festival came to a close with a spectacular fireworks display.”

“As the trading day drew to a close, stock prices began to stabilise after a morning of heavy volatility.”

Synonyms

end conclusion

Antonyms

beginning start

07a dead-end street

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun British English

n. a small street that has no way out at one end.

n. a residential street or cul-de-sac that is closed at one end. Pronounced with an /s/ sound.

“They live in a quiet close where children can play safely outside.”

“The property is located at the end of a leafy close, ensuring minimal through-traffic and a peaceful environment.”

Teaching tip

In the UK, this is often used in street names, such as 'Orchard Close'.

Synonyms

cul-de-sacdead end

08near

A2 · Elementary

adv. near to someone or something.

adv. in a position near to something else. Pronounced with an /s/ sound.

“The two runners were following close behind the leader.”

“The security guards stayed close to the entrance to monitor everyone entering the building.”

Synonyms

near nearby

Antonyms

far

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “close” in context.

01. close enough 02. close range 03. close friends 04. close family 05. close relationships 06. close ties 07. close contact 08. close to the border 09. close connexion 10. close proximity

close vs closely

Close describes physical or temporal proximity, while closely describes the degree of attention or the tightness of a connection.

RememberClose is for distance; closely is for detail.

VERB

close(A2)

NOUN

ADJECTIVE