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noun C1 Advanced Uncommon

closeness

KLOHS-nuhs

Closeness (noun) means the state of being near in distance, time, or relationship. Example: “The closeness of the two families made the wedding feel like one big reunion.”

noun
1
The state of being near in distance, time, or relationship.
"The closeness of the two families made the wedding feel like one big reunion."
"There was a real closeness between the sisters despite living continents apart."
2
Stinginess; being unwilling to spend or share.
"His closeness with money became a running joke among friends."

How to Use Closeness

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHow near, intimate, or (less commonly) stingy someone or something is.

Common pairings
emotional closeness closeness of a relationship

Word Forms

closenesses plural

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ of the two families made the wedding feel like one big reunion.

Etymology

From close plus the noun-forming suffix -ness.

Rhymes for closeness

See all rhymes for closeness →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “closeness” mean?

The word “closeness” means the state of being near in distance, time, or relationship. In plain terms, how near, intimate, or (less commonly) stingy someone or something is.

How do you pronounce “closeness”?

“Closeness” is pronounced KLOHS-nuhs (/ˈkloʊs.nəs/ in IPA).

How do you use “closeness” in a sentence?

Here is “closeness” used in a sentence: “The closeness of the two families made the wedding feel like one big reunion.”

What part of speech is “closeness”?

“Closeness” is a noun.

Is “closeness” a common word?

“Closeness” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.

How many meanings does “closeness” have?

“Closeness” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the state of being near in distance, time, or relationship.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial