closely

closely
close, closely
The adjective close merges into an adverb in uses such as come close, lie close, run close, stick close, etc., especially in figurative uses:

• Opera and large gatherings ran each other close for first place among her dislikes —J. Aiken, 1977

• By this time his work had come close to complete abstraction —I. Chilvers, 2000.

The adverb closely dates from the 16c and is used as an adverb of manner or degree, often in non-physical contexts:

• The only language closely related to Sinhalese is Maldivian —Language, 1972

• We recognize that we will be closely scrutinized by the government —CNN news transcripts, 2004 [OEC].


Modern English usage. 2014.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Closely — Close ly, adv. 1. In a close manner. [1913 Webster] 2. Secretly; privately. [Obs.] [1913 Webster] That nought she did but wayle, and often steepe Her dainty couch with tears which closely she did weepe. Spenser. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • closely — index faithfully Burton s Legal Thesaurus. William C. Burton. 2006 …   Law dictionary

  • closely — [adv] approximately, carefully by the skin of one’s teeth*, exactly, firmly, hard, heedfully, in conjunction with, intently, intimately, jointly, meticulously, mindfully, minutely, nearly, punctiliously, scrupulously, searchingly, sharply,… …   New thesaurus

  • closely — close|ly W2S2 [ˈkləusli] adv 1.) very carefully ▪ The detective watched him closely , waiting for a reply. closely controlled/guarded/monitored etc ▪ Political activity is closely controlled. ▪ Details of the program are a closely guarded secret …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • closely — adverb 1 if you look at or study something closely, you look at it etc hard, trying to notice everything about it: watch sb closely: The detective was watching him closely, waiting for a reply. 2 if two things are closely connected or related,… …   Longman dictionary of contemporary English

  • closely — close|ly [ klousli ] adverb *** 1. ) in a way that is very similar to something or has an obvious or strong connection with it: The Northern Ireland economy is closely linked to that of the rest of the United Kingdom. closely resemble something:… …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • closely */*/*/ — UK [ˈkləʊslɪ] / US [ˈkloʊslɪ] adverb 1) a) in a way that involves careful attention to every detail Inspectors will examine the accounts very closely. b) in a very careful and strict way The movement of information across the border was closely… …   English dictionary

  • closely*/*/ — [ˈkləʊsli] adv 1) in a way that involves careful attention to every detail Inspectors will examine the accounts very closely.[/ex] 2) in a way that involves sharing ideas, thoughts, or feelings We are all working closely with each other.[/ex] 3)… …   Dictionary for writing and speaking English

  • closely — adverb 1. in a close relation or position in time or space (Freq. 19) the onsets were closely timed houses set closely together was closely involved in monitoring daily progress • Derived from adjective: ↑close 2. in an attentive manner (Freq …   Useful english dictionary

  • closely — adv. Closely is used with these adjectives: ↑akin, ↑allied, ↑analogous, ↑balanced, ↑bound, ↑comparable, ↑concerned, ↑dependent, ↑informed, ↑interrelated, ↑involved, ↑ …   Collocations dictionary

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