closely
0 antonyms and opposites of closely, grouped by meaning.
Adv — In a careful, detailed, or near manner.
How to use closely
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From close plus the adverb-forming suffix -ly.
Full origin of closely →Frequently asked questions
What does “closely” mean?
The word “closely” means in a careful, detailed, or near manner. In plain terms, with care and attention, or with little distance/difference between things.
How do you pronounce “closely”?
“Closely” is pronounced KLOHS-lee (/ˈkləʊsliː/ in IPA).
How do you use “closely” in a sentence?
Here is “closely” used in a sentence: “The detective examined the letter closely for clues.”
What part of speech is “closely”?
“Closely” is an adverb.
Is “closely” a common word?
“Closely” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What does it mean to look at something 'closely'?
It means to look with careful, detailed attention, noticing small things you might otherwise miss. Watching or examining something closely suggests concentration and thoroughness rather than a quick glance. In this sense 'closely' is about the quality of attention — how carefully you observe — as much as physical nearness.
What does 'closely related' mean?
It means two things are connected in a near or direct way. People who are closely related share a recent common ancestor, like siblings or cousins; ideas that are closely related share much in common. Here 'closely' points to a short distance in relationship or connection rather than careful attention.
What is the opposite of 'closely'?
It depends on the sense. Where 'closely' means attentively, the opposite is 'loosely' or 'casually' — a loose, inattentive approach. Where it means near, the opposite is 'distantly' or 'far apart.' You might watch a match closely or follow it only loosely; two people can be closely or distantly related.