closely

Word parts

close + -ly

Pronunciation

• IPA ^(key): /ˈkləʊsliː/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Adverb

Positive closely

Comparative more closely

Superlative most closely

1. If something is closely related, linked, or involved it is strongly so.
   • Antonym: distantly

   The birds on this island are closely related to those on the mainland.

2. If you watch something closely, you watch it very carefully.
3. If you work closely with somebody, you cooperate a lot in the work.
4. If one thing follows another closely, they are close in space or time.