closer
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adverb:
- (Comparative of 'near' or 'close'): To a shorter distance; more near in space, time, or relationship.
Noun:
- (Baseball): A relief pitcher specializing in finishing games and protecting a lead in the final innings.
- A person who closes something: Someone whose role is to shut, conclude, or finalize something.
Usage Examples
Adverb:
- Move closer to the microphone so everyone can hear you.
- As the deadline gets closer, I feel more pressure.
Noun (Baseball):
- The manager brought in his best closer to secure the win in the ninth inning.
- Noun (Person who closes):
- She was the closer for the store, responsible for locking up at night.
Advanced Usage
- "to bring someone/something closer": To reduce the distance, either physically or metaphorically, between people or things.
- The shared experience brought the team members closer.
- "to move in closer": To approach more near, often stealthily or with intent.
- The detective moved in closer to hear their conversation.
Variants and Related Words
- Close (verb, adjective, adverb): The base form from which "closer" is derived.
- Closest (superlative adjective/adverb): The most near.
Synonyms
- Adverb: Nearer, nigh (archaic).
- Noun (Baseball): Finisher, stopper.
- Noun (Person): Shutter, finalizer.
Related Phrases
- "closer to home": More personally relevant or affecting.
- The second example hit closer to home for me.
- "closer and closer": An adverbial phrase emphasizing gradual approach.
- We are getting closer and closer to a solution.
Idioms
- "Close, but no cigar": Nearly correct or successful, but not quite. (Note: This idiom uses the adjective "close," not the adverb "closer," but is a common related expression.)
- "At close quarters": Very near to someone or something, often in a confined space.
Adverb
- (comparative of `near' or `close') within a shorter distance
- come closer, my dear!
- they drew nearer
- getting nearer to the true explanation
Noun
- (baseball) a relief pitcher who can protect a lead in the last inning or two of the game
- a person who closes something
- whoever is the closer has to turn out the lights and lock up