ENGLISH
REFERENCE

closest

adj.
US //ˈkɫoʊsəst// UK //klˈəʊsəst// clos·est
  1. 1 nearest in distance (adj.)
    A1 Beginner

    the person or thing that is the shortest distance away.

    denoting the object or location at the minimum physical distance from a reference point.

    Example

    The closest supermarket is just a five-minute walk from here.

    Example

    The survey team identified the closest water source to the campsite to ensure the expedition had a reliable supply throughout the week.
  2. 2 most intimate relationship (adj.)
    A2 Elementary

    the people you love or know the best, like family or best friends.

    denoting the highest degree of emotional intimacy or familial connection.

    Example

    She only invited her closest friends and family to the small wedding.

    Example

    Even his closest advisors were kept in the dark about the CEO's sudden decision to resign before the merger was finalised.
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  1. 3 most similar (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the thing that is almost exactly like something else.

    representing the highest degree of similarity or correspondence to a target or original.

    Example

    This paint is the closest match we can find to the original colour.

    Example

    The linguist argued that this particular dialect represents the closest living relative to the extinct language of the region.
    • most different

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