close
ly
1
without having a lot of space or time in between
- The two friends walked closely along the beach, engaged in a deep conversation.
- The cars on the highway were moving closely, creating a slow but steady flow.
- The houses in the neighborhood are built closely, maximizing land use.
- The trees along the path were planted closely, forming a natural canopy.
- The meetings are scheduled closely, with only a short break in between.
2
in a way that shows a strong relationship or connection
- The findings are closely related to previous research.
- These ideas are closely linked in the theory.
- Their cultures are closely connected by shared traditions.
- The documents were closely associated with the case.
- The languages are closely tied in origin.
3
with great care, focus, or attention to detail
- She watched the performance closely, captivated by every movement.
- The doctor examined the test results closely before making a diagnosis.
- He listened closely to the teacher's instructions to avoid mistakes.
- They observed the experiment closely to record every change.
- The security guard watched the crowd closely, looking for any suspicious behavior.
4
in terms of near family or biological relationship
- The two species are closely related.
- They are closely connected through a shared ancestor.
- The cousins are more closely related than they thought.
- Those breeds are closely tied in lineage.
- The illness affects closely related families.
5
(of hair) cut short, close to the skin
- He wore his hair closely cropped.
- His beard was closely trimmed.
- The soldier had a closely shaved head.
- She preferred her hair closely cut for summer.
- He had a closely styled buzz cut.