ENGLISH
REFERENCE

close

n.
A2 Elementary Oxford US //ˈkɫoʊs// close Archaic General-service

n. not far away in distance. It can also describe a relationship where people know and like each other very well.

n. located a short distance away; having a strong personal relationship or connection.


SIMPLE

The bank is close to my house.

CONTEXTUAL

They have been close friends since they were children.

COMPLEX

The final vote was so close that it triggered an automatic recount, prolonging the political uncertainty.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

Typically followed by the preposition 'to' when indicating proximity to something or someone.

Pitfall

The shop is close now.The shop is closed now.Learners often confuse the adjective 'close' (meaning near) with 'closed' (the past participle of the verb 'to close', meaning not open).

Idioms18 entries

© 2026 English Reference