Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition


Closely

Close′ly

,
adv.
1.
In a close manner.
2.
Secretly; privately.
[Obs.]
That nought she did but wayle, and often steepe
Her dainty couch with tears which
closely
she did weepe.
Spenser.

Webster 1828 Edition


Closely

CLOSELY

, adv.
1.
In a close, compact manner; with the parts united, or pressed together, so as to leave no vent; as a crucible closely luted.
2.
Nearly; with little space intervening; applied to space or time; as, to follow closely at ones heels; one event follows closely upon another.
3.
Intently; attentively; with the mind or thoughts fixed; with near inspection; as, to look or attend closely.
4.
Secretly; slyly.
5.
With near affection, attachment or interest; intimately; as, men closely connected in friendship; nations closely allied by treaty.
6.
Strictly; within close limits; without communication abroad; as a prisoner closely confined.
7.
With strict adherence to the original; as, to translate closely.

Definition 2024


closely

closely

English

Adverb

closely (comparative closelier or more closely, superlative closeliest or most closely)

  1. In a close manner.
    Finnish and Estonian are closely related languages.
    The borderline between East and West Berlin was very closely guarded.
    The chairs are too closely spaced.
    • 2012 April 29, Nathan Rabin, “TV: Review: THE SIMPSONS (CLASSIC): “Treehouse of Horror III” (season 4, episode 5; originally aired 10/29/1992)”, in (Please provide the title of the work):
      “King Homer” follows the story of King Kong closely, with Mr. Burns taking the freakishly over-sized King Homer from his native Africa, where he lives proud as a simian god, to the United States, where he is an initially impressive but ultimately rather limited Broadway attraction.
  2. (obsolete) secretly; privately
    • Spenser
      That nought she did but wayle, and often steepe / Her dainty couch with tears which closely she did weepe.

Translations