close ‧ ly S3 W2 /ˈkləʊsli $ ˈkloʊs-/ BrE AmE adverb
[ Word Family: adverb : ↑ close , ↑ closely ; verb : ↑ close ; noun : ↑ closeness ; adjective : ↑ close ]
1 . very carefully:
The detective watched him closely, waiting for a reply.
closely controlled/guarded/monitored etc
Political activity is closely controlled.
Details of the program are a closely-guarded secret.
2 . to a very great degree:
I have been closely involved in the work of both committees.
The successful applicant will be working closely with our international staff.
a creature that closely resembles a red monkey
3 . closely related/connected/associated etc if two or more things are closely related etc, there is a strong connection between them:
closely related subjects such as physics, chemistry, and maths
Her development as a writer is closely connected with her religion.
4 . in a way that is close to other things in time or space:
lightning, followed closely by thunder
We were so closely packed in the elevator I could hardly move.