ˈklōslē, -li adverb
( sometimes -er/-est )
Etymology: close (IV) + -ly
: in a close position, state, manner, or relation:
a. : with close attention or scrutiny
now listen closely
ability to read closely
b. obsolete : secretly , covertly
c. : in close proximity
a closely built-up area
closely held to his desk
closely printed
d. : in a close state : tightly : in the hands of a few
closely held private companies
closely knit into the Soviet orbit
e. : in close conformity to a model
closely resembling our housefly
a coating most closely matching the cover
f. : in close relation : intimately
incidents in the book are quite closely connected
the two had worked closely during the war
made friends quickly but not closely
g. : accurately , minutely
indicating fairly closely the true conditions
questioned closely and at length
h. : strictly
a closely reasoned argument
closely controlled sources of supply