closely
Translation
carefully, near, intimately
Examples
Listen closely to the instructions.
Listen closely to the instructions.
We are closely related to them.
We are closely related to them.
The houses are built closely together.
The houses are built closely together.
Grammar Patterns
((verb)) closely to do something carefully or attentively She watched the experiment closely.
closely ((verb)) used with verbs like 'related', 'linked', 'associated' The two events are closely linked.
Similar Words
Synonyms: carefully, attentively, near; Antonyms: carelessly, distantly
Etymology
From the adjective 'close' + the adverbial suffix '-ly'. 'Close' comes from Latin 'clausus', past participle of 'claudere' (to shut).
Memory Tips
Think of looking at something 'closely' – you bring your eyes 'close' to it to see the details.