closely
gb/klˈoʊsli/ us/klˈoʊsli/
A2
English
~ 1800
Senses
0 senses
adverb
A2
relation
1
Near in space or relationship
In a way that is very near to someone or something, or with a strong connection.
Usage pattern:
[someone] works closely with [someone]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'closely' with 'close' when describing actions. 'Closely' is the adverb form used to describe how something is done.
Synonyms
nearby (Focuses on physical closeness rather than relational closeness.)
|
intimately (Suggests extreme closeness, often emotional or personal.)
Antonyms
distantly (Indicates being far away physically or in relationship.)
Collocations
work closely
|closely connected
|closely related
|closely linked
Themes
relationships
|work
|daily life
|space
Examples
- The two companies work closely to develop new technology.
- She stayed closely by her friend's side during the trip.
- These two issues are closely linked.
Learner examples
- I work closely with my boss.
- We live closely together.
- The two ideas are closely related.
adverb
A2
relation
2
Carefully and with attention to detail
In a careful way, paying attention to small details.
Usage pattern:
[someone] looks closely at [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use 'close' instead of 'closely' when describing how someone looks or listens.
Synonyms
carefully (General term for doing something with care and attention.)
|
attentively (Emphasizes focused mental attention.)
Antonyms
carelessly (Indicates doing something without care or attention.)
Collocations
look closely
|examine closely
|study closely
|watch closely
Themes
observation
|analysis
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The teacher looked closely at the student's work.
- Scientists are studying the data closely.
- She listened closely to every word he said.
Learner examples
- I look closely at the picture.
- He listens closely to the music.
- They watch the game closely.
adverb
B1
relation
3
Almost exactly or nearly
Almost the same as something else.
Usage pattern:
[something] closely resembles [something else]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'closely' with 'close' when describing similarity; 'closely' is needed for adverbial use.
Synonyms
nearly (Indicates almost but not entirely, without emphasis on similarity.)
|
approximately (More formal, used for numerical or factual closeness.)
Antonyms
differently (Indicates being unlike or not similar.)
Collocations
closely resembles
|closely matches
|closely mirrors
Themes
comparison
|description
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The copy closely resembles the original painting.
- Their stories match closely.
- The new law is closely modeled on the previous one.
Learner examples
- This car closely looks like my old car.
- The dress closely matches her shoes.
- His plan closely follows the old plan.
Grammar
Dictionary form
closely
IPA
GB/klˈoʊsli/
US/klˈoʊsli/
Syllables & stress
closely (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (closely)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: closely
- Plural: closelies
Word family
Expressions
follow closely
1/fˈɑloʊ klˈoʊsli/
fixed phrase
Move behind with little distance between
To go after someone or something without much space between you.
Examples
- The car followed closely behind the bus.
- She followed closely as they walked through the forest.
pay closely attention to
1/pˈeɪ klˈoʊsli ətˈɛnʃən tə/
fixed phrase
Focus mental effort carefully on something
To think carefully about something and notice details.
Examples
- You should pay closely attention to the instructions.
- He paid closely attention to her words.
watch closely
1/wˈɔt͡ʃ klˈoʊsli/
fixed phrase
Observe carefully and attentively
To look at something carefully and pay attention to it.
Examples
- Watch closely as I show you how to do it.
- The magician told the audience to watch closely.