closely

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.

“Closely” is pronounced KLOHS-lee (/ˈkləʊsliː/ in IPA).

Here is “closely” used in a sentence: “The detective examined the letter closely for clues.”

“Closely” is an adverb.

“Closely” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

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.

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.

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.