close
/kloʊz/To move so as to cover an opening.
She closed the window before going to bed.
She moved the window to cover the opening before sleeping.
To bring to an end.
They closed the meeting with a summary.
They ended the meeting by summarizing key points.
Near in space or time.
The deadline is close.
The deadline is approaching.
To stop operating or functioning.
The company closed its branches in Europe.
The company permanently stopped operating its European branches.
To engage in sexual activity.
They closed in the backseat of the car.
They engaged in sexual activity in the backseat of the car.
Collocations
Related Phrases
💡Pro Tip
Distinguish 'close' vs. 'shut'
'Close' often implies finality or completion (e.g., 'close a meeting'), while 'shut' emphasizes physical closure (e.g., 'shut the door'). However, they are often interchangeable in literal contexts.
⚡Gold Rule
Use 'close' for time/proximity
When referring to time or distance, 'close' is the correct adjective (e.g., 'The deadline is close'). Avoid 'near' in formal contexts for time (e.g., 'The deadline is near' is informal).
Avoid informal meanings in formal writing
The sexual connotation of 'close' is highly informal. Use 'engage in sexual activity' or 'be intimate' in formal or academic writing.
📖Word Origin
From Middle English closen, from Old English clūsan, from Proto-Germanic *klūsijaną (to shut, lock), from Proto-Indo-European *klū- (hook, nail). Cognates include Dutch sluiten, German schließen, and Swedish stänga.
📝Usage Notes
As a verb, 'close' often implies finality (e.g., closing a door, closing a deal). As an adjective, it describes proximity (e.g., 'close friends'). The informal meaning of sexual activity is context-dependent and should be used cautiously.