# close

/ˈkɫoʊs/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/close
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. to shut

verb · CEFR A1

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

For teachers: 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').

### 2. to finish or end

verb · CEFR A2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. near in distance

adjective · CEFR A1

only a short distance away in space or time.

For teachers: 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'.

### 4. near in relationship

adjective · CEFR A2

knowing someone very well and liking them very much.

For teachers: 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.

### 5. careful or detailed

adjective · CEFR B2

looking at something very carefully to see all the details.

For teachers: 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.

### 6. the end

noun · CEFR B1

the end of a period of time or an activity.

For teachers: 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.

### 7. a dead-end street

noun · CEFR B1 · British English

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

For teachers: 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'.

### 8. near

adverb · CEFR A2

near to someone or something.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The bank is close to my house.
- They have been close friends since they were children.
- The final vote was so close that it triggered an automatic recount, prolonging the political uncertainty.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.