Closer

/ˈkloʊsər/

adjectiveBeginner🔥Very CommonGeneral
3 meanings1 question

Definitions

3 meanings
1

At a shorter distance; nearer.

/ˈkloʊsər/

adjectiveneutralBeginner
General

Nearer in space or time.

The closer we got, the louder the music became.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're playing hide-and-seek. 'Closer' means you're getting nearer to finding someone!

👶 For kids: More near.

More Examples

2

He sat closer to the fire to stay warm.

How It's Used

General

"The closer we got, the more excited we became."

2

In a more intimate or near position.

/ˈkloʊsər/

adverbneutralBeginner
General

To a greater degree of proximity.

Come closer, I want to whisper a secret.

💡 Simply: Like when you scoot your chair closer to your friend at the lunch table.

👶 For kids: More near.

More Examples

2

Listen closer, I have an important announcement.

How It's Used

General

"Move closer to the screen."

Tip:Think of moving closer to something you want.
3

A close friend or associate.

/ˈkloʊsər/

nounneutralIntermediate
General

A person who is close to someone; a confidant.

She's a closer than I thought.

💡 Simply: A closer is like a super-close friend— someone you trust and share secrets with.

👶 For kids: A best friend.

More Examples

2

He confided in his closer about his worries.

How It's Used

Informal

"He's a closer friend than I expected."

Tip:Someone you feel close to, someone you can confide in.

From Middle English *closere, comparative of close.

The word 'closer' has been used with its current meanings since at least the Middle English period.

Memory tip

Think of closing a gap, making something closer.

Word Origin

LanguageMiddle English
Original meaning

"Comparative form of 'close', meaning near or intimate."

Base: close
get closermove closercloser examinationcloser look

Common misspellings

cloaserclosr

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written