“Close” vs. “Closely”: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between “close” and “closely”

  • "Close" is an adjective and can describe a noun, while "closely" is an adverb and describes how something is done.
  • "Close" (adj) typically refers to physical proximity, while "closely" (adv) generally refers to a close examination or attention to detail.
  • "Close" can be a verb, noun, adverb, or adjective with various meanings, while "closely" can only be used as an adverb.
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What is the definition of “close” and “closely”?

Close
  • "Close" is an adjective that means nearby or in proximity.
  • It can also mean concluding or ending, as in the close of a business deal or the end of a movie.
  • "Close" can also be a verb meaning to shut or make something inaccessible.
Closely
  • "Closely" is an adverb that means paying attention to detail, thoroughly, or intimately.
  • It can also mean being in close proximity, as in someone following closely behind another person.
  • "Closely" can also mean figuratively near or almost, as in a statement that closely resembles the truth.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Close” is the more popular variant on the web.
More popular
Close
7,150,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. I am standing very close to the edge of the cliff.
  2. The store will be closing in five minutes.
  3. I closed the box and put it under my bed.
Closely
1,040,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. She was studying the document very closely.
  2. The detective was following the suspect closely.
  3. The team is working closely to finish the project on time.
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