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Close Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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[kləʊs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in proximity

Near in space, time, or relationship.

Synonyms

adjacent, near, proximate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
close

Generally used to indicate a short distance between two points or objects. It can also refer to a strong personal relationship or emotional connection.

  • The store is close to my house.
  • They have been close friends for years.
near

Used to indicate that something is not far away in distance. It can refer to time as well. Generally more versatile and less formal than 'adjacent'.

  • The park is near my home.
  • We are near the deadline, so let's hurry.
proximate

Mostly used in formal or legal contexts to indicate something that is very close or nearest in relation to something else. It has a more precise and specific connotation compared to 'close' or 'near'.

  • The proximate cause of the accident was a mechanical failure.
  • His house is in the proximate vicinity of the crime scene.
adjacent

Often used in technical settings or formal writing to describe something that is next to or adjoining something else. Suitable for spatial relationships or organizational contexts.

  • The library is adjacent to the main building.
  • The two cells in the spreadsheet are adjacent.

Examples of usage

  • We live close to the park.
  • The store is close to my house.
  • She has a close relationship with her sister.
Context #2 | Adverb

in proximity

Near in space, time, or relationship.

Synonyms

almost, nearby, nearly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
close

When referring to physical proximity or a short distance between objects or people.

  • The coffee shop is close to my office
  • She sat close to him during the meeting
nearby

When talking about something or someone located a short distance away, but not necessarily very close.

  • There is a grocery store nearby
  • She lives nearby in the next neighborhood
nearly

Similar to 'almost', when indicating that something is very close to happening or being true.

  • He nearly missed the bus
  • The project is nearly completed
almost

When indicating that something is very nearly the case, used before a verb or an adjective.

  • I almost finished my homework
  • He is almost six feet tall

Examples of usage

  • The two buildings are close together.
  • She stood close to the edge of the cliff.
Context #3 | Verb

shut

Move or cause to move so as to cover an opening.

Synonyms

seal, shut, shut down.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
close

Used when you mean to make something not open temporarily or permanently. It can apply to doors, windows, or businesses.

  • Please close the door when you leave.
  • The store will close at 9 PM.

Examples of usage

  • He closed the book.
  • She closed the door behind her.
  • The store closes at 9 PM.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Being physically close to someone can increase feelings of safety and trust, an important aspect of human relationships.
  • Psychologists suggest that proximity can influence our perceptions of others and can lead to stronger bonds.
  • Close friendships are often formed through shared experiences and interactions that foster emotional connections.

Pop Culture

  • In film and literature, the concept of 'closeness' often drives the emotional climax of stories, such as love or sacrifice.
  • Songs frequently explore the theme of closeness, both in romantic and platonic contexts, highlighting its importance in our lives.
  • Popular sayings, like 'close but no cigar', illustrate how physical or metaphorical closeness can lead to varied outcomes.

Science

  • In biology, the idea of 'close kin' refers to organisms that share a recent common ancestor, affecting traits and behaviors.
  • The concept of 'close packing' is crucial in chemistry, describing how particles arrange themselves for efficiency.
  • In astronomy, the term 'close approach' refers to when two celestial bodies come near each other in space.

Literature

  • Many classic novels explore themes of closeness, emphasizing intimate relationships and the human experience.
  • In poetry, closeness is often depicted using imagery to convey connection, longing, or separation.
  • Authors frequently use metaphors of distance and proximity to illustrate emotional landscapes between characters.

Origin of 'close'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'close' comes from the Old French 'clore', which means 'to shut'.
  • In Middle English, it was spelled as 'closen', reflecting its historical use in both physical and personal contexts.
  • The word has roots in Latin, where 'claudere' means 'to shut', showing its long history.

The word 'close' originated from the Old French word 'clos', meaning 'enclosure' or 'confined'. Over time, it evolved to be used in various contexts such as proximity, shutting, or conclusion. The versatility of 'close' has made it a commonly used word in the English language.

See also: closed, closely, closeness, closer, closest, closet, closing, closure, closures, disclose, enclose, enclosure.

Word Frequency Rank

With position #434, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.