Understanding the Meaning of Close According to the Dictionary and Context, Avoid Misinterpretation

Kapanlagi.com - In Indonesia, English is a foreign language that is widely studied. Even English is included in mandatory subjects taught since elementary school. So it's no wonder that many English vocabulary words are becoming familiar. 'Close' is one of them. We must have heard this word very often. So, what is the actual meaning of 'close'? (source)

Generally, most of us already know that the meaning of 'close' is 'to shut'. However, it turns out that 'close' does not only mean 'to shut' literally. In English, the word 'close' actually has several other meanings that we also need to understand. Because if not, we can misinterpret the word 'close' in a sentence. Curious about the broader meaning of 'close'?

Compiled from various sources, let's take a look at the following explanation of the meaning of 'close'.

1. Meaning of Close According to the Dictionary

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As previously mentioned, close is one of the vocabulary words in English. Therefore, the easiest way to find out the meaning of close is to check it in the dictionary. In addition, in English, the word close can also be classified into two classes of words, namely, verbs or action words and adjectives or descriptive words. The classification also depends on the meaning of close that is influenced by the context of the sentence.

Furthermore, in the online dictionary.cambridge.com, it turns out that the word close has several meanings that depend on its context in the sentence. It is important to know each meaning of the word close, so that we can use this word in the appropriate sentence according to its context.

1. To change something from an open condition to a closed one (not open anymore).

2. When a store, restaurant, or public place is closed so that it cannot be accessed by anyone.

3. To end something.

4. Situation of ceasing operations of something (for example, in business and organizations).

5. The end of something, or the time when you end a discussion.

6. Having a direct family relationship or sharing beliefs, support, and sympathy.

7. People who are close know each other very well and like each other very much.

8. To look at or listen to someone or something carefully.

2. Example of Using the Word Close Based on Context

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Knowing the meaning of close according to the dictionary alone is not enough. As previously explained, the meaning of close is quite diverse depending on its context in a sentence. This means that we cannot simply memorize that the meaning of close is to close. We also need to understand the context of the sentence as a whole in order to be more accurate in interpreting it.

Therefore, to better understand it, we need to know examples of using the word close based on each context of the sentence. This way, we can more easily understand and use it in constructing our own sentences. Here are some examples of using the word close based on context.

1. Close as a verb to change something from an open condition to a closed one (not open anymore).

Example sentence:

- I went out and forgot to close the window. (I went out and forgot to close the window.)

2. The word close can be used as a description of the closing of a store, restaurant, or public place so that it cannot be accessed by just anyone.

Example sentence:

- The museum closes at 5.30. (The museum closes at 5.30.)

3. The word close can also be used as a verb to end something.

Example sentence:

- She closed the meeting with a short speech. (She closed the meeting with a short speech.)

4. The word close can be used as an adjective to describe the situation of something ceasing to operate (e.g. in business and organizations).

Example sentence:

- The factory closed over ten years ago. (The factory closed over ten years ago.)

5. The word close can be used as an adjective to indicate the end of something, or the time when you end a discussion.

Example sentence:

- At the close of the meeting the contract remained unsigned. (At the close of the meeting, the contract remained unsigned.)

6. Having a direct family relationship or sharing beliefs, support, and sympathy.

Example sentence:

- There weren't many people at the funeral, just close family or relatives. (There weren't many people at the funeral, just close family or relatives.)

7. People who are close know each other very well and like each other very much.

Example sentence:

- Her relationship isn't good with her father, but she's very close to her mother. (Her relationship isn't good with her father, but she's very close to her mother.)

8. Looking at or listening to someone or something carefully.

Example sentence:

- Police are paying close attention to the situation. (Police are paying close attention to the situation.)

3. Terms with the Word Close

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In English, there are several terms with the word close. These terms are quite commonly used in daily life. Therefore, knowing the meaning of some of these terms seems to be just as important as knowing the meaning of close itself. Here are some terms with the word close along with their meanings.

- close attention (paying close attention)

- close friends (close friends)

- close eyes (close one's eyes)

- close down (close down)

- close collaboration (close collaboration)

- close coordination (close coordination)

- close account (close account)

- close case (case closed)

- close call (close call)

- close by (close to)

- close at hand (close)

Those are some explanations about the meaning of close in English according to the dictionary and based on context. Hopefully, it will be useful and can increase knowledge.

(kpl/gen/psp)