closely
adv.-
1 with careful attention (adv.) B1 Intermediateto look at or listen to something very carefully to see every detail.
with intense focus and attention to detail; used when observing or monitoring a situation.
ExampleIf you look closely at the photo, you can see a bird in the tree.
ExampleThe security team monitored the crowd closely, looking for any signs of suspicious activity as the VIP arrived at the venue.
- carefully
- attentively
- thoroughly
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2 strong connection (adv.) B2 Upper Intermediatehaving a very direct or strong relationship with someone or something.
denoting a strong or intimate connection, often regarding collaboration or causal relationships.
ExampleThe two companies work closely together on new technology projects.
ExampleThe researchers found that dietary habits were closely linked to the development of certain chronic conditions in the study group.
- distantly
- loosely
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3 near in space or time (adv.) B2 Upper Intermediatenear to something else, with very little space or time in between.
in a position of physical proximity or occurring in rapid succession.
ExampleThe runner was followed closely by his rival during the final lap.
ExampleThe second explosion followed the first so closely that many witnesses initially thought they were a single event.
From close + -ly.