- closely
- close|lyW2S2 [ˈkləusli] adv1.) 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 monkey3.) closely related/connected/associated etcif 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▪ a flash of lightning, followed closely by thunder▪ We were so closely packed in the elevator I could hardly move.
Dictionary of contemporary English. 2013.