Cool MateClose as any man would vs Intimate
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Close as any man would
Beyond 10,000 (less common)
Intimate
Top 2,000 (common)C1adjective
Most common: Intimate
| Close as any man would | Intimate | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //kləʊz əz ˈɛni mæn wʊd//🇺🇸 //kloʊz əz ˈɛni mæn wʊd// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈɪntɪmət/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈɪntɪmət/"]/ |
| Meaning | To be very close or intimate like a good friend. | Close and personal. |
| Example | They are close as any man would, sharing their secrets with one another. | intimate friends |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | C1 |
| Part of speech | adjective | |
| Collocations | close friends, as close as friends, close relationship, close as family, close bond | intimate relationship, intimate setting, intimate conversation, intimate friends, intimate details |
| Antonyms | - | distant, remote, aloof |
| Common mistakes | Using in formal writing where a more specific phrase is needed., Confusing the phrase with 'close to' which has different implications., Mispronouncing 'would' as it can change the meaning. | Confused with 'intimidate', as they sound similar., Used incorrectly to describe casual relationships., 'Intimate' as an adverb—it's only an adjective. |
| Usage notes | This phrase is used to express deep closeness or familiarity between individuals. It's appropriate in informal conversations but can be used in more serious contexts. It usually implies trust and openness. | Use 'intimate' to describe close relationships or settings. It can be in romantic contexts but also in friendships. Avoid in overly casual settings. |
Frequently asked questions: Close as any man would vs Intimate
What's the difference between Close as any man would and Intimate?
Close as any man would: To be very close or intimate like a good friend. Intimate: Close and personal.
Which is more common: Close as any man would and Intimate?
Intimate is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Close as any man would: They are close as any man would, sharing their secrets with one another. Intimate: intimate friends
Can I use Close as any man would and Intimate interchangeably?
Not always. Close as any man would and Intimate are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.