clos: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1 (as a verb meaning to shut); B2 (as a verb meaning to conclude); C2 (as an adjective meaning near/nearby).Neutral to formal, depending on context. 'Shut' is more common in everyday speech for the physical action.
Quick answer
What does “clos” mean?
To shut something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To shut something; to bring together parts to block an opening.
To conclude or finish something (e.g., a meeting); to narrow a gap or distance; to cease operation (e.g., a business).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal for core meanings. British English may use 'shut' more frequently in informal commands ('Shut the door'). The adjective 'close' (near) is used identically.
Connotations
In business, 'to close a deal' is universal. 'Close the lights' is a non-standard regionalism in some US dialects.
Frequency
'Shut' is slightly more frequent in UK informal speech for the physical action.
Grammar
How to Use “clos” in a Sentence
[NP] close [NP] (transitive)[NP] close (intransitive)[NP] close [PP] (e.g., close on a value)close [ADJ] (e.g., close early)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “clos” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Could you close the window, it's getting chilly.
- The manager will close the briefing with a few announcements.
- The gap between the runners began to close in the final lap.
American English
- Please close the door on your way out.
- We expect to close on the house next month.
- The store closes at 9 PM on weekdays.
adverb
British English
- He followed close behind me.
- The team worked close together on the project.
- Please sit close so everyone can fit.
American English
- Come close so I can see you.
- The picture was hanging too close to the edge.
- They live close by.
adjective
British English
- She's a very close friend of mine.
- The vote was incredibly close, decided by just two ballots.
- Keep a close eye on the soup so it doesn't boil over.
American English
- We live in close proximity to the school.
- That was a close call with the traffic!
- The fabric has a close weave.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
To finalize an agreement or cease trading.
Academic
To conclude an argument or section; to approximate a value.
Everyday
To shut a door/window; to finish using an app/website.
Technical
In computing, to terminate a file connection; in finance, the final price of a trading day.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “clos”
- *I closed the light. (Correct: I turned off the light.)
- *The shop is closed on Sundays. (Correct, but note adjective use: /kləʊst/)
- *We live very close from the station. (Correct: very close to the station.)
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are often interchangeable for physical actions ('close/shut the door'). 'Shut' can sound more forceful or final. 'Close' is preferred for abstract meanings (close a deal, close the meeting) and in formal writing.
This is a historical sound change that became fixed in English. The verb final '-se' is voiced (/z/), while the adjective final '-se' is unvoiced (/s/). Similar pairs exist (advise/advice, use (v)/use (n)).
It is a regular verb: close - closed - closed. The past participle 'closed' also functions as an adjective (e.g., 'a closed door').
Both indicate proximity. 'Close' often implies a stronger connection or narrower gap ('close friends', 'a close race'). 'Near' is more purely geographical or temporal. 'Close' can be an adverb without 'to' ('He stood close'), while 'near' often requires 'to' ('He stood near to me').
To shut something.
Clos is usually neutral to formal, depending on context. 'shut' is more common in everyday speech for the physical action. in register.
Clos: in British English it is pronounced /kləʊz/ (verb); /kləʊs/ (adjective), and in American English it is pronounced /kloʊz/ (verb); /kloʊs/ (adjective). Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “close, but no cigar”
- “close ranks”
- “close the book on something”
- “close to home”
- “close shave”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CLOSet door; you must CLOSE it to hide things inside.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLOSING IS ENDING (close a chapter); CLOSING IS EXCLUDING (close the door on opportunities); PROXIMITY IS CONNECTION (a close friend).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'close' used as an adjective?