# closest

/ˈkɫoʊsəst/ (US) · /klˈəʊsəst/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/closest
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. nearest in distance

adjective · CEFR A1

the person or thing that is the shortest distance away.

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

- The closest supermarket is just a five-minute walk from here.
- The survey team identified the closest water source to the campsite to ensure the expedition had a reliable supply throughout the week.

### 2. most intimate relationship

adjective · CEFR A2

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

For teachers: denoting the highest degree of emotional intimacy or familial connection.

- She only invited her closest friends and family to the small wedding.
- Even his closest advisors were kept in the dark about the CEO's sudden decision to resign before the merger was finalised.

### 3. most similar

adjective · CEFR B1

the thing that is almost exactly like something else.

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

- This paint is the closest match we can find to the original colour.
- The linguist argued that this particular dialect represents the closest living relative to the extinct language of the region.

## Examples

- The closest grocery store is just around the corner.
- Even though they live in different countries, she remains his closest friend and confidante.
- The scientists monitored the asteroid as it reached its closest point to Earth, ensuring that its trajectory posed no threat to the planet.

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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.