close
A1Neutral; common across all registers.
Definition
Meaning
To move two objects or parts together so that they touch, cover an opening, or end a period of operation.
Also describes proximity, intimacy, a narrow margin, careful attention, secrecy, and a confined space.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A classic example of grammatical conversion/zero-derivation: identical form for verb, adjective, adverb, and noun. The two main semantic fields are 'shut' and 'near'. The adjective meaning 'near' is pronounced with /s/, while the verb and other senses are with /z/.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor spelling differences: BrE often uses 'close down' for businesses; AmE more readily uses 'close up' for a shop. The noun 'close' (enclosed area) is more common in BrE (e.g., cathedral close).
Connotations
Largely similar. 'Close' as an adjective for personal relationships is slightly more frequent in AmE descriptions.
Frequency
Both pronunciations and all major senses are high-frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP] close [NP] (transitive)[NP] close (intransitive)close [ADV/PREP PHRASE] (e.g., close around, close on)be/get close to [NP/VERB-ing]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “close, but no cigar”
- “close to home”
- “close ranks”
- “behind closed doors”
- “too close for comfort”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"We aim to close the fiscal year with a surplus." / "They are close partners."
Academic
"The study found a close correlation between the variables."
Everyday
"Could you close the window? It's getting cold." / "She lives close to the station."
Technical
"Close the application gracefully to avoid data loss." (computing) / "The valves close during systole." (medicine)
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Please close the gate properly.
- The theatre will close early for the holiday.
- We need to close the meeting by five.
American English
- Don't forget to close the browser.
- The store closes at 9 pm sharp.
- He managed to close the sale.
adverb
British English
- They followed close behind the guide.
- The ball landed close to the hole.
American English
- Come close so you can hear.
- He held the photo close to his face.
adjective
British English
- Keep a close eye on the simmering pot.
- Their house is close to the river.
- It was a very close election.
American English
- We're not close, just work acquaintances.
- Stay in close contact with the office.
- That was a close call with the traffic.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Close the book, please.
- My school is close to my home.
- Is the bank close today?
- The museum closes at 6 p.m. on weekdays.
- We have a close relationship with our neighbours.
- She sat close to the fireplace.
- The government decided to close the old coal mine.
- After a close analysis, the theory was rejected.
- The two competitors are running very close.
- The prosecutor moved to close the case due to lack of evidence.
- His interpretation hews close to the original text's intent.
- A period of sustained growth brought the economy close to full employment.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CLOSET: you close the door on things that are close together inside.
Conceptual Metaphor
EMOTIONAL INTIMACY IS PHYSICAL PROXIMITY (a close friend); ENDINGS ARE CLOSURES (close a chapter); ATTENTION IS FOCUS (pay close attention).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Confusing verb 'close' (/z/) with adjective 'close' (/s/).
- Using 'near' where 'close' is more idiomatic (e.g., 'close friend' not 'near friend').
- Translating Russian 'закрыть' only as 'close', forgetting 'shut', 'lock', 'switch off'.
- Overusing 'close the light' (a common error from Russian) instead of 'turn off the light'.
Common Mistakes
- *She is very close with her sister. (Preferred: 'close to')
- *The shop is closed in Sundays. (Preposition error: 'on Sundays')
- Pronunciation confusion: saying /kloʊs/ for the verb.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'close' pronounced /kloʊs/ (with an 's' sound)?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Shut' is often more forceful, physical, and final (shut your mouth, shut out noise). 'Close' is more neutral and used in more abstract contexts (close a meeting, close a deal). 'Close' is also more common for businesses ('The shop closes at 5').
For physical or metaphorical proximity, use 'close to' (close to the city, close to tears). For personal relationships, 'close to' is standard (I'm close to my sister). 'Close with' is less common and often implies ending an interaction ('I'm close with my work for the day').
It's a historical sound change that became fixed in the language. The final 's' in the adjective/adverb remained voiceless (/s/), while the verb developed a voiced ending (/z/). This distinction helps listeners differentiate parts of speech in context.
Yes, though less common. It can mean 'an end or conclusion' (at the close of play) or, primarily in British English, 'an enclosed area, especially around a cathedral' (the deanery is in the close).
Collections
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Daily Verbs
A1 · 50 words · Essential action words used in everyday conversation.