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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.
💡 Concept

Their close-knit family gathers every Sunday for dinner, laughing together around the table.

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈkloʊs nɪt/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈkləʊs nɪt/

🌳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

tight fit
well lit
perfect hit

🔗Collocations

close-knit family
close-knit community
close-knit group
close-knit team
close-knit circle
close-knit relationship

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“The village was so close-knit that everyone knew what Mrs. Kim had for breakfast.”

😄 Fun example

“Our close-knit office means your embarrassing moments become everyone's entertainment.”

😄 Fun example

“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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