Adverb

(en-adv)

(archaic) Nobly; magnanimously.

To a great extent or degree.

*, chapter=12

, title= The Mirror and the Lamp , passage=There were many wooden chairs for the bulk of his visitors, and two wicker armchairs with red cloth cushions for superior people. From the packing-cases had emerged some Indian clubs, […], and all these articles […] made a scattered and untidy decoration that Mrs. Clough assiduously dusted and greatly cherished.}}

* {{quote-news, year=2011, date=October 29, author=Phil McNulty, work=BBC Sport

, title= Chelsea 3-5 Arsenal , passage=Terry's goal looked to have put Chelsea in control on the stroke of half-time but Arsenal's response presented a compelling case for Wenger's insistence that reports of his side's demise have been greatly exaggerated.}}

Adverb

(en-adv)

In a close manner.

Finnish and Estonian are closely related languages.

The borderline between East and West Berlin was very closely guarded.

The chairs are too closely spaced.

* {{quote-news

, year=2012 , date=April 29 , author=Nathan Rabin , title=TV: Review: THE SIMPSONS (CLASSIC): “Treehouse of Horror III” (season 4, episode 5; originally aired 10/29/1992) citation , page= , passage=“King Homer” follows the story of King Kong closely , with Mr. Burns taking the freakishly over-sized King Homer from his native Africa, where he lives proud as a simian god, to the United States, where he is an initially impressive but ultimately rather limited Broadway attraction. }}

(obsolete) secretly; privately

* Spenser

That nought she did but wayle, and often steepe / Her dainty couch with tears which closely she did weepe.