closer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral, formal in some technical contexts (business, sports).
Quick answer
What does “closer” mean?
One who or that which closes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
One who or that which closes; comparative form meaning 'more near'.
A person who finalizes a deal or concludes an event; a relief pitcher who finishes a baseball game; something that seals or shuts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Noun usage as a 'baseball pitcher who finishes a game' is primarily American. The spelling of the comparative adjective/adverb follows regional conventions: 'closer' (AmE) vs. 'more close' being less common in both varieties.
Connotations
In business, 'closer' has a strong, positive connotation of skill and finality. In general use as a comparative, it is neutral.
Frequency
As a noun (deal-closer, door-closer), frequency is similar. The comparative form is extremely high-frequency in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “closer” in a Sentence
[bring/move/pull] + NP + closer (to + NP)come/get + closer (to + NP)NP (Subject) + closer + than + NPbe + closer + to + NP/doingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “closer” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She often closes the shop on Sundays.
- They will close the meeting at five.
American English
- He closes the deal every time.
- We need to close the office early today.
adverb
British English
- He moved closer to hear the speaker.
- They are working closer together now.
American English
- Come closer so I can see you.
- The deadline is creeping closer.
adjective
British English
- Her new flat is closer to the tube station.
- We need closer inspection of the details.
American English
- My house is closer to the highway.
- The team requires closer cooperation.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The sales team needs a strong closer to finalize the contract.
Academic
The study brings us closer to understanding the phenomenon.
Everyday
Can you move a bit closer? I can't hear you.
Technical
Install the hydraulic door closer to ensure fire safety compliance.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “closer”
- He is more closer to his mother. (double comparative)
- She stood closely to the window. (should be 'close' as an adverb of place)
- We need to closer the deal. (using noun/adjective as a verb)
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be both. As the comparative form of 'close' (near), it functions as an adjective ('a closer look') or an adverb ('come closer'). It is also a noun.
'Close' is the base form (adjective/adverb/verb). 'Closer' is either the comparative form ('more close/near') or a noun derived from the verb 'to close' + '-er' (one who closes).
No. 'Closer' itself is a comparative. Using 'more' before it creates a grammatical error known as a double comparative.
In baseball (primarily AmE), a closer is a relief pitcher who specializes in finishing ('closing') a game, typically in the final inning to secure a win.
One who or that which closes.
Closer is usually neutral, formal in some technical contexts (business, sports). in register.
Closer: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkləʊzə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkloʊzər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to be a closer”
- “to bring something to a close”
- “close, but no cigar”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CLOSER: Can be a CLOSE-R (one who closes deals) or CLOS-ER (more close in distance).
Conceptual Metaphor
EMOTIONAL INTIMACY IS PHYSICAL PROXIMITY (grow closer), FINALITY IS CLOSURE (the deal closer).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'closer' used as a noun?