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Closest Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ”
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closest

[หˆklษ™สŠsษชst ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

in proximity

Situated near in space or time; adjacent; near in relationship; intimate; close in friendship; closely related; intimate; familiar; closely connected or related; intimate; having a strong emotional attachment or involvement; devoted; faithful; accurate; careful; precise; executed with care; strict; rigid; not deviating from a standard; accurate; confined to a small area or group; exclusive; near or very near in relationship; intimate; close in friendship; closely connected or related; intimate; having a strong emotional attachment or involvement; devoted; faithful; accurate; careful; precise; executed with care; strict; rigid; not deviating from a standard; accurate; confined to a small area or group; exclusive.

Synonyms

adjacent, careful, devoted, exact, exclusive, faithful, familiar, intimate, nearest, proximate, related, strict.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
closest

Best used to describe physical proximity or degree of familiarity.

  • He is my closest friend.
  • The store closest to us is about a mile away.
nearest

Describes the shortest physical distance to a point or object, often used in practical situations.

  • Where is the nearest gas station?
  • The nearest hospital is about 5 miles away.
proximate

A formal term used to describe something that is very close in distance or time.

  • They could not identify the proximate cause of the accident.
  • The hotel is proximate to several tourist attractions.
adjacent

Often used in formal contexts to describe something that is next to or adjoining something else.

  • The room adjacent to mine was empty.
  • Our offices are adjacent to each other.
intimate

Refers to a close personal relationship or a private, cozy setting. Can imply a deep emotional connection.

  • They had an intimate conversation about their feelings.
  • The restaurant had a very intimate atmosphere.
familiar

Used to describe something or someone well-known or easily recognized.

  • I am familiar with that software.
  • Her face looks familiar to me.
related

Used to describe a connection or relationship between things or people, often in terms of family or category.

  • Are you related to him?
  • These problems are related to each other.
devoted

Best used to describe loyalty and dedication to a person, cause, or activity.

  • She is devoted to her family.
  • He is a devoted fan of the football team.
faithful

Describes loyalty and trustworthiness, often in personal relationships.

  • He has been a faithful employee for over ten years.
  • The dog remained faithful to his owner.
exact

Used to emphasize precision and accuracy. Often formal.

  • I need the exact measurements for this project.
  • The exact amount is $23.45.
careful

Used to describe someone who pays attention to detail to avoid mistakes or accidents. It can also imply caution.

  • Be careful with that fragile vase.
  • He is very careful about proofreading his documents.
strict

Describes someone who enforces rules and discipline rigorously. Can sometimes have negative connotations of being overly rigid.

  • My parents were very strict when I was growing up.
  • The school has strict rules about attendance.
exclusive

Often used in contexts implying uniqueness, luxury, or limited access. Can sometimes carry a snobbish connotation.

  • We have an exclusive offer for our premium members.
  • They live in an exclusive neighborhood.

Examples of usage

  • It was the closest town to the border.
  • He is my closest friend.
  • She has a very close relationship with her sister.
  • They have a close-knit family.
  • The two nations have a close alliance.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research suggests that feeling 'closest' to someone increases happiness and emotional well-being.
  • Proximity plays a crucial role in relationships; people often develop stronger connections with those they are closest to physically.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, being 'closest' to family is linked to values of loyalty and support, often emphasized in traditions.
  • The concept of closeness extends to friendships, showing the importance of community and support systems in various societies.

Science

  • In astronomy, the closest star system to Earth, Alpha Centauri, is about 4.37 light-years away.
  • In physics, being 'closest' in terms of subatomic particles can lead to different reactions, influencing chemical behavior.

Literature

  • Many authors explore themes of closeness in relationships, portraying how physical or emotional distance can impact characters' lives.
  • Poetry often uses 'closest' to describe intimate moments, emphasizing the beauty found in relationships.

Origin of 'closest'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'closest' comes from the Old English word 'clost', which means 'a shutting' or 'to close'.
  • In Middle English, the term evolved to describe being near or shutting in proximity, influencing its modern use.

The word 'closest' originates from the Middle English word 'cloosest', which is the superlative form of 'close', ultimately deriving from the Old French word 'clos'. The term has been used in English since the 14th century, evolving over time to its current form and meaning. The concept of proximity and nearness has always been essential in human interactions and relationships, making 'closest' a commonly used term in various contexts.

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

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,284 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.