closely

With a strong connection or a great deal of similarity.

• These two languages are closely related.
• Health is closely linked to diet.
• Her voice closely resembles her sister’s.

Similar words: strongly, intimately

Opposites: loosely

Common phrases: closely related, closely linked, closely resemble

With careful attention to small details.

• Watch closely as I fold the paper.
• She examined the map closely.
• Listen closely to the next announcement.

Similar words: carefully, attentively

Common phrases: watch closely, look closely, closely examine

With frequent contact and shared effort when working with someone.

• We work closely with local schools.
• The two teams cooperated closely.
• Doctors and nurses must work closely together.

How to use it: work closely with someone (Our designer works closely with the sales team.)

Similar words: collaboratively

Common phrases: work closely, cooperate closely, closely with someone

With little distance or time between one thing and another.

• A dog followed closely behind me.
• The houses are closely spaced.
• The announcement was closely followed by a second warning.

Similar words: nearby

Common phrases: follow closely, closely behind, closely spaced