What does closely mean?
"Closely" is an adverb that describes doing something with great care and attention, positioning things near each other, or indicating a strong similarity or connection between things. It most often modifies verbs of scrutiny—"listen closely," "examine closely," "follow instructions closely"—conveying thoroughness and attentiveness rather than emotion. In its spatial sense, it describes tight packing or proximity, as in fabric woven closely or people standing closely together. A third common use links ideas or entities: species may be closely related, allies work closely together, and one account may closely mirror another. The word derives from "close," which entered English from Old French "clos," ultimately from Latin "clausus," meaning shut or enclosed—a fitting ancestry for a word about small distances and tight attention. Neutral in tone, "closely" suits both formal analysis and casual description, making it indispensable wherever precision of observation or proximity is being emphasized.
adverbIn a way that leaves little or no space or distance between things; tightly or compactly. Also, with great attention to detail or careful scrutiny.
- With great attention to detail; carefully and thoroughly (e.g. 'read the contract closely').
- In a manner leaving little space or distance; tightly or compactly (e.g. 'the fabric was woven closely').
- In a way showing strong similarity or connection (e.g. 'the two languages are closely related').
"She followed the instructions closely, checking each step twice."
"The auditor examined every ledger entry closely before signing off."
"The vines grew closely together along the stone wall."
"Closely" is the adverb you reach for when distance—physical or intellectual—is exactly what's being measured: two DNA strands can be closely related, and so can two rival detectives watching the same suspect.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of closely
"Closely" was formed in Middle English by adding the adverbial suffix "-ly" to "close." The adjective "close" itself came into English via Old French "clos" (shut, enclosed) from Latin "clausus," the past participle of "claudere" (to shut). This Latin root also gives us words such as "closet," "enclose," and "disclose." The adverb developed its senses of physical proximity, tight arrangement, and careful attention over time, with the attentive sense becoming especially prominent in modern usage.
Related word forms
How closely is actually used
"Closely" is neutral in register and works equally well in formal writing and everyday speech. It commonly modifies verbs of perception and examination (look, watch, read, examine, follow) as well as verbs of resemblance and association (resemble, relate, work). It should not be confused with the adjective "close," which appears after linking verbs (e.g. "sit close"); where an adverb is required, "closely" is standard.
Easily confused with closely
"Close" can function as an adjective (near), a verb (shut), or a noun (end), while "closely" is exclusively an adverb describing how something is done.
"Cosely" is not a standard English word; it is likely a misspelling of "closely" or "cozily," which means comfortably and warmly.