Skip to main content

close — near in distance, time, or relationship

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: near in distance, time, or relationship

Pronunciation (IPA): /kloʊs/

Example Sentences

  • My exam score was so close to perfect that my mom bought me a pizza to close the celebration!
  • The library closes at 9 PM, so we need to finish our study session.
  • She lives close to the school, which makes her always close to being late because she oversleeps!

close

ADJECTIVE

[/kloʊs/]

near in distance, time, or relationship

While the two houses were built far apart on the hill, the two trees grew very close together.
💡 Concept

While the two houses were built far apart on the hill, the two trees grew very close together.

CLO (cover) + SE (secure) — by pulling the heavy CLO (cover) down to SE (secure) the treasure, the pirate was able to close the chest.
🧠 Mnemonic

CLO (cover) + SE (secure) — by pulling the heavy CLO (cover) down to SE (secure) the treasure, the pirate was able to close the chest.

After he chose the perfect red rose, he carefully proceeded to close the gift box.
🎵 Rhyme

After he chose the perfect red rose, he carefully proceeded to close the gift box.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/kloʊs/
🇬🇧 UK/kləʊs/

🌳Etymology

Rootclos-
Suffix--e

Origin

The word 'close' derives from Latin 'clausus' (closed, shut), meaning originally 'closed' or 'enclosed.' It entered English through French 'clos' during the Norman period, and subsequently developed the secondary sense of 'near' or 'adjacent' through metaphorical extension.

Breakdown

Latin clausus (closed, shut) → Old French clos → Middle English close. The root 'claus-' relates to Latin 'claudere' (to close, shut), with the past participle 'clausus' forming the base for Romance language derivatives.

🎵Rhyme

those
rose
nose
chose
pose

🔗Collocations

close friend
close attention
close the gap
close call
close down
close relationship

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“My exam score was so close to perfect that my mom bought me a pizza to close the celebration!”

“The library closes at 9 PM, so we need to finish our study session.”

😄 Fun example

“She lives close to the school, which makes her always close to being late because she oversleeps!”

“Please close all windows before leaving the classroom.”

📚Related Words

Want to master 27,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.