close-knit — having strong relationships and caring about each other; tightly connected as a group
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: having strong relationships and caring about each other; tightly connected as a group
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈkloʊs nɪt/
Example Sentences
- The village was so close-knit that everyone knew what Mrs. Kim had for breakfast.
- Our close-knit office means your embarrassing moments become everyone's entertainment.
- She grew up in a close-knit neighborhood where borrowing sugar meant a two-hour chat.
close-knit
ADJECTIVE[/ˈkloʊs nɪt/]
having strong relationships and caring about each other; tightly connected as a group

Their close-knit family gathers every Sunday for dinner, laughing together around the table.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word combines two etymological sources: 'close' derives from Latin clausus, meaning 'shut' or 'closed', while 'knit' comes from Old English cnyttan, meaning 'to tie knots' or 'to fasten'. The compound developed metaphorically to describe relationships or groups bound together as tightly as knitted fabric.
Breakdown
close (from Latin clausus, 'shut/closed') + knit (from Old English cnyttan, 'to tie knots/fasten together'). The hyphenated adjective combines spatial/relational proximity with the image of tight interlacing.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The village was so close-knit that everyone knew what Mrs. Kim had for breakfast.”
“Our close-knit office means your embarrassing moments become everyone's entertainment.”
“She grew up in a close-knit neighborhood where borrowing sugar meant a two-hour chat.”
“The research team's close-knit collaboration led to breakthrough discoveries.”
📚Related Words
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