Close vs. Near: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 21, 2024
'Close' implies a very small distance or high degree of proximity, often with a sense of intimacy or enclosure, while 'near' suggests being at a short distance without implying intimacy.
Key Differences
'Close' often conveys a sense of intimacy or direct involvement, like in 'close friends' or 'close quarters.' 'Near,' however, typically refers to physical proximity without necessarily implying a personal or intimate connection, as in 'near the park.'
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Jan 21, 2024
In physical terms, 'close' can indicate very little space between objects or people, such as 'standing close to someone.' 'Near' suggests being in the vicinity but not necessarily within a very short distance, like 'living near the city.'
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Jan 21, 2024
'Close' is also used to describe nearness in time or in the progress of an event, such as 'close to the deadline.' In contrast, 'near' is less commonly used in this temporal sense. In relationships, 'close' implies a stronger bond than 'near.'
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 21, 2024
Figuratively, 'close' can mean nearly accurate or similar, as in 'a close guess.' 'Near' is less often used figuratively and is more straightforward in indicating physical proximity, like 'near the window.'
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 21, 2024
In some linguistic contexts, 'close' and 'near' can be interchangeable, but 'close' often carries a stronger or more specific implication, especially in emotional or personal contexts, as opposed to the more general and spatial-focused 'near.'
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 21, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Proximity
Very small distance, high proximity
Short distance, general proximity
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Jan 21, 2024
Emotional Connotation
Implies intimacy or direct involvement
Lacks implication of intimacy
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Jan 21, 2024
Temporal Usage
Used to indicate nearness in time
Less common in temporal contexts
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Jan 21, 2024
Relationship Strength
Implies stronger bond or connection
Does not imply a strong bond
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Jan 21, 2024
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Close and Near Definitions
Close
Very near to something or someone.
She stood close to the stage, hoping to get a better view.
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Jan 04, 2024
Close
Nearly correct or on target.
His answer was close, but not exactly right.
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Jan 04, 2024
Near
Similar to something in degree or quality.
His performance was near perfect.
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Jan 04, 2024
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Near
To, at, or within a short distance or interval in space or time
Moved the table nearer to the wall.
As graduation draws near.
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Jan 04, 2024
Close
Bound by mutual interests, loyalties, or affections; intimate
Close friends.
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Jan 04, 2024
Close
Having little or no space between elements or parts; tight and compact
A close weave.
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Jan 04, 2024
Near
Closely related by kinship or association; intimate
A near relative.
A near and dear friend.
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Near
Nearly occurring but not actually happening
A near victory.
A near disaster.
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Near
Closely resembling the genuine article
A dress of near satin.
Near silver beads.
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Jan 04, 2024
Close
Giving or spending with reluctance; stingy
He is known to be close with his money.
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Jan 04, 2024
Near
Physically close.
I can't see near objects very clearly without my glasses.
Stay near at all times.
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Jan 04, 2024
Close
(Linguistics) Pronounced with the tongue near the palate, as the ee in meet. Used of vowels.
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Jan 04, 2024
Near
Close to one's interests, affection, etc.; intimate; dear.
A matter of near consequence to me.
A near friend
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Close
To move (a door, for example) so that an opening or passage is covered or obstructed; shut.
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Jan 04, 2024
Near
Close to anything followed or imitated; not free, loose, or rambling.
A version near to the original
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Jan 04, 2024
Near
So as barely to avoid or pass injury or loss; close; narrow.
A near escape
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Jan 04, 2024
Close
To stop the operations of permanently or temporarily
Closed down the factory.
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Jan 04, 2024
Near
On the side nearest to the kerb (the left-hand side if one drives on the left).
The near front wheel came loose.
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Jan 04, 2024
Close
To make unavailable for use
Closed the area to development.
Closed the database to further changes.
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Jan 04, 2024
Near
(dated) Next to the driver, when he is on foot; (US) on the left of an animal or a team.
The near ox; the near leg
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Jan 04, 2024
Close
To bring together all the elements or parts of
Management closed ranks and ostracized the troublemaker.
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Jan 04, 2024
Near
Within the currently selected segment in a segmented memory architecture.
A near pointer
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Jan 04, 2024
Close
(Sports) To modify (one's stance), as in baseball or golf, by turning the body so that the forward shoulder and foot are closer to the intended point of impact with the ball.
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Jan 04, 2024
Near
Nearly; almost.
He was near unconscious when I found him.
I jumped into the near-freezing water.
I near ruptured myself trying to move the piano.
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Jan 04, 2024
Near
Physically close to, in close proximity to.
There are habitable planets orbiting many of the stars near our Sun.
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Near
Close to in nature or degree.
His opinions are near the limit of what is acceptable.
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Jan 04, 2024
Near
(ambitransitive) To come closer to; to approach.
The ship nears the land.
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Near
The left side of a horse or of a team of horses pulling a carriage etc.
Off side
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Jan 04, 2024
Near
At a little distance, in place, time, manner, or degree; not remote; nigh.
My wife! my traitress! let her not come near me.
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Jan 04, 2024
Close
To be priced or listed at a specified amount when trading ends
Stocks closed higher on Monday.
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Jan 04, 2024
Close
To draw near
The orbiter closed with the space station in preparation for docking.
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Jan 04, 2024
Near
Not far distant in time, place, or degree; not remote; close at hand; adjacent; neighboring; nigh.
He served great Hector, and was ever near,Not with his trumpet only, but his spear.
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Jan 04, 2024
Close
(Baseball) To finish a game by protecting a lead. Used of relief pitchers.
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Jan 04, 2024
Near
Close to one's interests, affection, etc.; touching, or affecting intimately; intimate; dear; as, a near friend.
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Jan 04, 2024
Near
Close to anything followed or imitated; not free, loose, or rambling; as, a version near to the original.
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Jan 04, 2024
Near
So as barely to avoid or pass injury or loss; close; narrow{3}; as, a near escape; a near miss.
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Jan 04, 2024
Close
(klōs) An enclosed place, especially land surrounding or beside a cathedral or other building.
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Jan 04, 2024
Near
To draw near; to approach.
A speck, a mist, a shape, I wist!And still it neared, and neared.
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Jan 04, 2024
Near
Move towards;
We were approaching our destination
They are drawing near
The enemy army came nearer and nearer
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Jan 04, 2024
Near
Not far distant in time or space or degree or circumstances;
Near neighbors
In the near future
They are near equals
His nearest approach to success
A very near thing
A near hit by the bomb
She was near tears
She was close to tears
Had a close call
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Jan 04, 2024
Near
Being on the left side;
The near or nigh horse is the one on the left
The animal's left side is its near or nigh side
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Jan 04, 2024
Close
To move so that an opening is closed.
Close the door behind you when you leave.
Jim was listening to headphones with his eyes closed.
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Jan 04, 2024
Close
To make (e.g. a gap) smaller.
The runner in second place is closing the gap on the leader.
To close the ranks of an army
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Jan 04, 2024
Near
Giving or spending with reluctance;
Our cheeseparing administration
Very close (or near) with his money
A penny-pinching miserly old man
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Jan 04, 2024
Near
With or in a close or intimate relationship;
A good friend
My sisters and brothers are near and dear
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Jan 04, 2024
Near
Very close in resemblance;
Sketched in an approximate likeness
A near likeness
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Jan 04, 2024
Near
Near in time or place or relationship;
As the wedding day drew near
Stood near the door
Don't shoot until they come near
Getting near to the true explanation
Her mother is always near
The end draws nigh
The bullet didn't come close
Don't get too close to the fire
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Jan 04, 2024
Near
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; `near' is sometimes used informally for `nearly' and `most' is sometimes used informally for `almost';
The job is (just) about done
The baby was almost asleep when the alarm sounded
We're almost finished
The car all but ran her down
He nearly fainted
Talked for nigh onto 2 hours
The recording is well-nigh perfect
Virtually all the parties signed the contract
I was near exhausted by the run
Most everyone agrees
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Close
To put an end to; to conclude; to complete; to finish; to consummate.
Close the session;
To close a bargain;
To close a course of instruction
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Jan 04, 2024
Near
Very similar to a specified state or quality.
The painting is near completion.
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Jan 04, 2024
Close
To make the final outs, usually three, of a game.
He has closed the last two games for his team.
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Jan 04, 2024
Close
To terminate an application, window, file or database connection, etc.
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Jan 04, 2024
Close
(surveying) To have a vector sum of 0; that is, to form a closed polygon.
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Jan 04, 2024
Close
(intransitive) To do the tasks (putting things away, locking doors, etc.) required to prepare a store or other establishment to shut down for the night.
Whoever closed last night forgot to turn off the closet light.
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Jan 04, 2024
Close
An end or conclusion.
We owe them our thanks for bringing the project to a successful close.
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Jan 04, 2024
Close
(sales) The point at the end of a sales pitch when the consumer is asked to buy.
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Jan 04, 2024
Close
The time when checkin staff will no longer accept passengers for a flight.
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Jan 04, 2024
Close
(Scotland) A very narrow alley between two buildings, often overhung by one of the buildings above the ground floor.
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Jan 04, 2024
Close
(legal) The interest which one may have in a piece of ground, even though it is not enclosed
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Jan 04, 2024
Close
Oppressive; without motion or ventilation; causing a feeling of lassitude.
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Jan 04, 2024
Close
Articulated with the tongue body relatively close to the hard palate.
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Jan 04, 2024
Close
Adhering strictly to a standard or original; exact.
A close translation; a close copy
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Jan 04, 2024
Close
Accurate; careful; precise; also, attentive; undeviating; strict.
The patient was kept under close observation.
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Jan 04, 2024
Close
Almost, but not quite (getting to an answer or goal); near
No, but you were close.
We were so close to winning!
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Jan 04, 2024
Close
To stop, or fill up, as an opening; to shut; as, to close the eyes; to close a door.
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Jan 04, 2024
Close
To bring together the parts of; to consolidate; as, to close the ranks of an army; - often used with up.
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Jan 04, 2024
Close
To bring to an end or period; to conclude; to complete; to finish; to end; to consummate; as, to close a bargain; to close a course of instruction.
One frugal supper did our studies close.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Close
To come or gather around; to inclose; to encompass; to confine.
The depth closed me round about.
But now thou dost thyself immure and closeIn some one corner of a feeble heart.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Close
To come together; to unite or coalesce, as the parts of a wound, or parts separated.
What deep wounds ever closed without a scar?
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Jan 04, 2024
Close
To end, terminate, or come to a period; as, the debate closed at six o'clock.
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Jan 04, 2024
Close
To grapple; to engage in hand-to-hand fight.
They boldly closed in a hand-to-hand contest.
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Jan 04, 2024
Close
The manner of shutting; the union of parts; junction.
The doors of plank were; their close exquisite.
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Jan 04, 2024
Close
Conclusion; cessation; ending; end.
His long and troubled life was drawing to a close.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Close
The conclusion of a strain of music; cadence.
At every close she made, the attending throngReplied, and bore the burden of the song.
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Jan 04, 2024
Close
An inclosed place; especially, a small field or piece of land surrounded by a wall, hedge, or fence of any kind; - specifically, the precinct of a cathedral or abbey.
Closes surrounded by the venerable abodes of deans and canons.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Close
A narrow passage leading from a street to a court, and the houses within.
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Jan 04, 2024
Close
The interest which one may have in a piece of ground, even though it is not inclosed.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Close
Shut fast; closed; tight; as, a close box.
From a close bower this dainty music flowed.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Close
Oppressive; without motion or ventilation; causing a feeling of lassitude; - said of the air, weather, etc.
If the rooms be low-roofed, or full of windows and doors, the one maketh the air close, . . . and the other maketh it exceeding unequal.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Close
Out of the way observation; secluded; secret; hidden.
"Her close intent."
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Jan 04, 2024
Close
Having the parts near each other; dense; solid; compact; as applied to bodies; viscous; tenacious; not volatile, as applied to liquids.
The golden globe being put into a press, . . . the water made itself way through the pores of that very close metal.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Close
Adjoining; near; either in space; time, or thought; - often followed by to.
Plant the spring crocuses close to a wall.
The thought of the Man of sorrows seemed a very close thing - not a faint hearsay.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Close
Intimate; familiar; confidential.
League with you I seekAnd mutual amity, so strait, so close,That I with you must dwell, or you with me.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Close
Adhering strictly to a standard or original; exact; strict; as, a close translation.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Close
Accurate; careful; precise; also, attentive; undeviating; strict; not wandering; as, a close observer.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Close
Uttered with a relatively contracted opening of the mouth, as certain sounds of e and o in French, Italian, and German; - opposed to open.
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Jan 04, 2024
Close
Secretly; darkly.
A wondrous vision which did close implyThe course of all her fortune and posterity.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Close
The temporal end; the concluding time;
The stopping point of each round was signaled by a bell
The market was up at the finish
They were playing better at the close of the season
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Close
Cease to operate or cause to cease operating;
The owners decided to move and to close the factory
My business closes every night at 8 P.M.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Close
Complete a business deal, negotiation, or an agreement;
We closed on the house on Friday
They closed the deal on the building
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Close
Move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut;
Close the door
Shut the window
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Jan 04, 2024
Close
Bar access to;
Due to the accident, the road had to be closed for several hours
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Jan 04, 2024
Close
Finish or terminate (meetings, speeches, etc.);
The meeting was closed with a charge by the chairman of the board
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Jan 04, 2024
Close
Come together, as if in an embrace;
Her arms closed around her long lost relative
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Close
Unite or bring into contact or bring together the edges of;
Close the circuit
Close a wound
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Close
Be priced or listed when trading stops;
The stock market closed high this Friday
My new stocks closed at $59 last night
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Close
Change one's body stance so that the forward shoulder and foot are closer to the intended point of impact
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Close
Finish a game in baseball by protecting a lead;
The relief pitcher closed with two runs in the second inning
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Close
At or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other;
Close to noon
How close are we to town?
A close formation of ships
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Close
Close in relevance or relationship;
A close family
We are all...in close sympathy with...
Close kin
A close resemblance
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Close
Not far distant in time or space or degree or circumstances;
Near neighbors
In the near future
They are near equals
His nearest approach to success
A very near thing
A near hit by the bomb
She was near tears
She was close to tears
Had a close call
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Close
Rigorously attentive; strict and thorough;
Close supervision
Paid close attention
A close study
Kept a close watch on expenditures
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Close
Marked by fidelity to an original;
A close translation
A faithful copy of the portrait
A faithful rendering of the observed facts
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Close
(of a contest or contestants) evenly matched;
A close contest
A close election
A tight game
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Close
Lacking fresh air;
A dusty airless attic
The dreadfully close atmosphere
Hot and stuffy and the air was blue with smoke
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Close
Giving or spending with reluctance;
Our cheeseparing administration
Very close (or near) with his money
A penny-pinching miserly old man
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Close
Inclined to secrecy or reticence about divulging information;
Although they knew her whereabouts her friends kept close about it
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Close
Near in time or place or relationship;
As the wedding day drew near
Stood near the door
Don't shoot until they come near
Getting near to the true explanation
Her mother is always near
The end draws nigh
The bullet didn't come close
Don't get too close to the fire
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Close
Having a strong personal connection.
They have been close friends since childhood.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 04, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What does 'close' imply in a relationship?
'Close' in a relationship implies a strong personal bond.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 21, 2024
Is 'close' more intimate than 'near'?
Yes, 'close' often implies a greater degree of intimacy.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 21, 2024
How does 'near' differ from 'close' in physical distance?
'Near' suggests being at a short distance, while 'close' implies very little space between.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 21, 2024
Can 'near' be used to describe time?
Yes, but less commonly than 'close,' like in 'near future.'
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 21, 2024
Does 'near' have figurative uses?
It's primarily used in a literal sense for proximity.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 21, 2024
Is 'near' used in emotional contexts?
Less frequently, as it's more focused on physical proximity.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 21, 2024
How does 'close' convey a sense of proximity?
It implies being at a very small distance from something or someone.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 21, 2024
What is an example of 'close' in a temporal context?
'We are close to the deadline' is a temporal use.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 21, 2024
Can 'close' refer to the end of an event?
Yes, like in 'the concert is close to ending.'
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 21, 2024
What does 'near perfect' mean?
It means very close to being perfect but not exactly.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 21, 2024
Can 'close' and 'near' be synonyms?
In some contexts, they can be, but often 'close' has a stronger implication.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 21, 2024
How is 'near' different in indicating distance compared to 'close'?
'Near' is less specific about the smallness of the distance.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 21, 2024
Is 'near' used in formal language?
Yes, it's used in both formal and informal contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 21, 2024
Can 'close' be used in describing physical closeness?
Yes, like in 'standing close together.'
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 21, 2024
How is 'near' used in spatial contexts?
Like 'the store is near the school.'
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 21, 2024
Is 'near' used for strong personal connections?
It's less common than 'close' for personal connections.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 21, 2024
Can 'close' be used to indicate shutting something?
Yes, as in 'close the door.'
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 21, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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