Closure: meaning, definitions and examples

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closure

 

[หˆklษ™สŠส’ษ™ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

legal

The act of closing something, especially a meeting, debate, or negotiation. It can also refer to the feeling of finality or resolution.

Synonyms

conclusion, ending, resolution.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
closure

Often used to describe a sense of emotional or psychological completion or release after a difficult event or process.

  • She needed closure after the breakup.
  • The lawsuitโ€™s settlement brought closure to the family.
conclusion

Typically used to refer to the final part of something written or spoken, such as an essay, speech, or argument, where everything comes together.

  • In conclusion, we must protect our environment.
  • The conclusion of the book was unexpected.
resolution

Refers to the act of solving a problem or dispute; often used in the context of stories, conflicts, or personal goals.

  • The resolution of their conflict took weeks.
  • Her New Year's resolution was to exercise more.
ending

Used to describe the final part of a story, movie, or any narrative. It focuses more on the act of something coming to a stop.

  • The movie had a happy ending.
  • They didn't like the ending of the play.

Examples of usage

  • The lawyer announced the closure of the case.
  • After much discussion, they finally reached closure on the agreement.
Context #2 | Noun

psychology

A psychological process that individuals go through in order to cope with a significant loss or traumatic event. It involves accepting the reality of the situation and moving forward.

Synonyms

acceptance, healing, recovery.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
closure

Best used to describe the psychological resolution or conclusion of an experience, often a difficult or traumatic one. It implies finding an ending that brings peace or understanding.

  • She found closure after talking to a therapist about her past.
  • The community sought closure after the tragic event.
healing

Commonly used in the context of recovery or getting better after a physical, emotional, or psychological injury. It involves a process of improvement and often implies a gradual return to a healthier state.

  • The retreat was a place for emotional healing.
  • Time and care are essential for physical healing.
acceptance

Appropriate when talking about coming to terms with a reality or situation, often one that cannot be changed. It suggests a mental or emotional process of acknowledging and embracing a fact or state of being.

  • His acceptance of the diagnosis was the first step toward coping.
  • She reached acceptance of her new life circumstances.
recovery

Typically used to describe the process of returning to a normal or improved state after an illness, injury, or difficult situation. It indicates progress and regaining what was lost.

  • His recovery after the surgery was remarkably quick.
  • She worked hard on her recovery from the accident.

Examples of usage

  • She needed closure after the breakup in order to heal.
  • The closure helped him come to terms with the loss of his loved one.
Context #3 | Noun

business

The process of shutting down a business or operation, usually permanently.

Synonyms

cessation, shutdown, termination.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
closure

Used when something, like a store or a road, is closing down for good or temporarily.

  • The store announced its closure at the end of the month
  • The road closure will last for two weeks
shutdown

This word describes when a business, operation, or government services stop functioning, often temporary and can carry a negative implication.

  • The factory will experience a temporary shutdown during the holiday season
  • The government shutdown affected many public services
cessation

Often used in formal contexts to describe the stopping of an activity or process, particularly in legal, medical, or technical contexts.

  • There was an immediate cessation of hostilities
  • The doctor recommended the cessation of smoking to improve health
termination

Commonly used in professional or contractual settings to indicate the end of a contract, service, or employment, often with a formal tone.

  • He faced termination due to repeated misconduct
  • The termination of the contract was effective immediately

Examples of usage

  • The closure of the factory resulted in many job losses.
  • They had to announce the closure of the store due to financial difficulties.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • The term is often used in therapy to refer to the emotional resolution of a loss or traumatic event.
  • Research shows that gaining closure can significantly improve mental well-being and promote healing.
  • Not everyone seeks closure; some people find comfort in moving on without it, highlighting personal differences in coping strategies.

Literature

  • Closure in narratives often involves tying up loose ends, giving readers a sense of completion to the story.
  • Many authors use cliffhangers to create a lack of closure that keeps readers engaged for sequels or further exploration.
  • In poetry, closure can be achieved through strong imagery or impactful final lines that evoke emotional responses.

Cultural Aspects

  • Different cultures have varied approaches to achieving closure, especially during mourning rituals and ceremonies.
  • In some traditions, storytelling sessions serve as a form of closure, where experiences are shared to process emotions collectively.
  • The concept of closure can differ between individualistic cultures, which emphasize personal resolution, and collectivist cultures that focus on communal healing.

Etymology

  • The word 'closure' originates from the Latin 'claudere,' meaning 'to close.'
  • It first appeared in English during the early 19th century, primarily in philosophical contexts before expanding to psychology and everyday use.
  • Initially, it referred to physical closure but evolved to encompass emotional and psychological contexts.

Pop Culture

  • The term is frequently used in films and shows to depict a character's journey toward healing after trauma.
  • Music often explores themes of closure, with songs reflecting on past relationships and a desire to move forward.
  • Reality television often creates scenarios where cast members seek closure with one another as a dramatic arc.

Translations

Translations of the word "closure" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น encerramento

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเค‚เคฆ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช SchlieรŸung

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ penutupan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะทะฐะบั€ะธั‚ั‚ั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ zamkniฤ™cie

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้–‰้Ž–

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท fermeture

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ cierre

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท kapanฤฑลŸ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋‹ซํž˜

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฅุบู„ุงู‚

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ uzavล™enรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ uzavretie

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ…ณ้—ญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ zaprtje

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ lokun

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะถะฐะฑั‹ะปัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ“แƒแƒฎแƒฃแƒ แƒ•แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ baฤŸlanma

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ cierre

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,621 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.