Word
closely
Phoneticsclose·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkɫoʊsɫi/
UK/klˈəʊsli/
Adverb of manner
Definitions
01with careful attention
B1 · Intermediate
adv. to look at or listen to something very carefully to see every detail.
adv. with intense focus and attention to detail; used when observing or monitoring a situation.
“If you look closely at the photo, you can see a bird in the tree.”
“The security team monitored the crowd closely, looking for any signs of suspicious activity as the VIP arrived at the venue.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02strong connection
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. having a very direct or strong relationship with someone or something.
adv. denoting a strong or intimate connection, often regarding collaboration or causal relationships.
“The two companies work closely together on new technology projects.”
“The researchers found that dietary habits were closely linked to the development of certain chronic conditions in the study group.”
Synonyms
03near in space or time
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. near to something else, with very little space or time in between.
adv. in a position of physical proximity or occurring in rapid succession.
“The runner was followed closely by his rival during the final lap.”
“The second explosion followed the first so closely that many witnesses initially thought they were a single event.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “closely” in context.
Verb
01. closely align
“Our company values closely align with the needs of the local community.”
adv + verb
02. closely associate
“Many people closely associate the smell of lavender with relaxation.”
adv + verb
03. closely correspond
“The results of the second experiment closely correspond to our initial findings.”
adv + verb
04. closely examine
“The detective had to closely examine the fingerprints found at the scene.”
adv + verb
05. closely involve
“The project will closely involve local residents in the decision-making process.”
adv + verb
06. closely link
“Diet and exercise are closely linked to overall physical health.”
adv + verb
07. closely parallel
“The plot of the movie closely parallels the events of the original novel.”
adv + verb
08. closely reflect
“The new policy should closely reflect the feedback we received from staff.”
adv + verb
09. closely relate
“These two species of birds are closely related to one another.”
adv + verb
Confusables
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.
Real-World Examples
“She said decisions to reopen roads were being taken on a street-by-street basis, with the council working closely with emergency services.” “Which is why scientists are watching the ocean so closely.” Etymology
From close + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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