closely
closely Lexical Profile
closely Game Scores & Validity
• adverb
In a very attentive, careful, or thorough manner.
"The researchers monitored the patient's vital signs closely throughout the clinical trial."
To a very great degree or extent, especially regarding similarity, association, or connection.
"The two sister languages are so closely related that their speakers can often understand one another."
At a very short distance in space or time; with very little space between items.
"The historic cottages were built closely together along the narrow cobblestone lane."
Word Nuance & Usage
'Closely' and 'close' can both function as adverbs, but they are not always interchangeable: 'close' typically refers to physical proximity (e.g., 'stay close to me'), whereas 'closely' is preferred for manner, degree, or figurative relationships (e.g., 'watch closely', 'closely related').
• Rhymes for closely
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in Middle English from the adjective 'close' (borrowed from Old French 'clos', from Latin 'clausus', past participle of 'claudere' meaning 'to shut') combined with the adverbial suffix '-ly'.