What is close? Pronunciation and usage in English

close means . Learn how to pronounce and use close through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of close

closeadjective/verb

/kləʊs/
Definition & pronunciation of close

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "close" in English. There are actually two common pronunciations, and it depends a bit on where you are!

1. The Most Common American Pronunciation (and increasingly common elsewhere):

  • Sounds like: /ˈkloʊs/ (rhymes with "rose")
    • "cl" is pronounced as a single syllable, like in "clip."
    • "ose" is pronounced with a long "o" sound, like in "boat." The "e" is almost silent.

2. The Traditional British Pronunciation:

  • Sounds like: /kloʊz/ (rhymes with "loose")
    • "cl" is pronounced as a separate syllable.
    • "ose" is pronounced with a short "o" sound, like in "lot."

Here's a breakdown with sounds to help you:

  • IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet):
    • /ˈkloʊs/ (American)
    • /kloʊz/ (British)

Resources to Hear the Pronunciation:

  • Google: Just search for "how to pronounce close" and you'll get audio examples.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/close/ - This website lets you hear native speakers pronounce the word in various accents.
  • YouTube: Search on YouTube for "how to pronounce close" - you'll find many videos demonstrating the different pronunciations.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from (or where are you learning to speak English)? (e.g., United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, etc.) This will help me tell you which pronunciation is more likely to be understood and considered "correct" in your context.

Usage and examples with the word close in English

Let's break down how to use the word "close" in English. It's a remarkably versatile word with many different meanings and ways to employ it! Here's a categorized breakdown:

1. As a Verb (Action - Doing Something)

  • To shut or close something: This is the most common meaning.
    • “Please close the door.”
    • “She closed the window because it was raining.”
    • “He closed the book and went to sleep.”
  • To finish or conclude:
    • “Let's close the meeting.” (meaning to end it)
    • “I’ll close my presentation now.”
    • “The negotiations closed successfully.”
  • To get or reach a certain amount:
    • “We closed the deal at $10,000.” (meaning we reached the price)
    • “The charity closed the campaign with over $1 million raised.”
  • To come to an end: (often used with a sense of finality)
    • “The curtains closed on the play.”
    • “The chapter closes with a cliffhanger.”
  • To approach (a place or distance):
    • “We’re closing in on the destination.” (meaning we’re getting closer)
    • “The police are closing in on the suspect.”
  • To investigate/to move in on (crime/search):
    • "The FBI is closing in on the criminals."

2. As an Adjective (Describing Something)

  • Near (in distance):
    • “The shop is close to the library.”
    • “We live close to the beach.”
    • “He’s a close friend of mine.” (meaning a very close friend)
  • Intimate/Personal:
    • “They have a close relationship.”
    • “We’re close-knit as a family.”
  • Finishing/Ending (a performance, event):
    • “It was a close game.” (meaning it was a very competitive game with a small margin of victory/defeat)
    • “The concert was a close one – the band played for just over an hour.”
  • Approximate/Nearly:
    • “The answer is close to 100.”

3. As a Noun (A Thing)

  • A closing (in a performance): The final part of a play, movie, or show.
    • “The play had a powerful closing scene.”
  • A place where something is finished or closed: (less common)
    • “She went to the closing office to settle her account.”

Common Phrases with "Close"

  • Close the deal: To finalize a business agreement.
  • Close with a bang: To end something with a powerful or exciting finish.
  • Close to heart: Important or deeply felt.
  • Close ranks: To stand together in support.
  • Close the gap: To reduce the difference between two things.
  • Close the book (on something): To move on after something difficult or painful.

Tips for Using "Close" Correctly:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "close" changes dramatically depending on how it’s used in a sentence.
  • Consider synonyms: If you're unsure, think about words like “shut,” “finish,” “nearby,” or “intimate” to see if one fits the situation better.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to do with the word “close”? (e.g., are you writing a story, having a conversation, studying grammar?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you’re struggling with?

Synonyms for the word close

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