closes - Master This Word
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closes Word Meanings
- to shut something; to bring together
- near in distance or time
- in a careful or attentive manner
closes Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
closes Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/kləʊs/
US
/kloʊs/
closes Word Etymology
Root: close (from Old French 'clore', meaning to shut) | Historical origin: Latin 'claudere' → Old French 'clore' → English 'close'. | Memory image: Imagine bringing two hands together to close a book, which also represents coming together.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
Hands on the door, I shift my grip and turn the handle, then push until the door closes with a soft thud. I hold it for a moment, feeling the latch settle and the room quiet down. I step closer to the other person, staying close in distance and keeping my focus steady as if I’m setting the moment in place.
Real Context
Close has several roles in English. As a verb it means to shut something or to bring two things together to seal an opening. As an adjective it means near in distance or time, and in phrases like close friends or a close call it can describe a careful, attentive approach (close inspection). The etymology traces back to Old French clore and Latin clauder e, with the memory image of two hands coming together to close a book, which also evokes coming together. The word appears in many collocations: close the door, stay close to someone, or be close to finishing a project. Distinguishing the verb and adjective forms is essential for correct pronunciation and meaning.
Usage Reminders
- Use close as a verb to shut something.\
- Close also means near in distance or time, as in close to the finish.\
- Be careful with the noun form; we say a close call or a close friend, not a closed friend.\
- When talking about watching something, use close attention or keep a close eye on it.\
- Avoid confusing close with near in all contexts; some phrases require be close to, not close to finishing in any case.
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking close always means near in space.
- Confusing close with shut in all contexts, even when the object is not physical
- Using close to mean almost in every sentence instead of near in time
- Misplacing the preposition be close to with finish; be near to finishing is not always correct
- Ignoring the noun and verb distinction when speaking quickly
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker: English uses the same spelling for close as verb and adjective; learn to rely on context and collocations to pick the right sense. Common mistakes include confusing be close to with be near to and treating close as a universal synonym for near.
Learning Tips
- Practice both senses with everyday sentences.
- Use be close to for proximity in time or space.
- Keep a close eye on things you monitor.
- Distinguish verb vs adjective by object type.
- Learn common collocations like close the door and be close to finishing.
- Listen for context and note subtle pronunciation differences.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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