Cool MateClose vs Close as any man would vs Intimate
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Close
Close as any man would
Intimate
| Close | Close as any man would | Intimate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/kləʊz/","/ˈkləʊzɪz/","/kləʊzd/","/ˈkləʊzɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kləʊz/","/ˈkləʊzɪz/","/kləʊzd/","/ˈkləʊzɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //kləʊz əz ˈɛni mæn wʊd//🇺🇸 //kloʊz əz ˈɛni mæn wʊd// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈɪntɪmət/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈɪntɪmət/"]/ |
| Meaning | To shut something, like a door or a window. | To be very close or intimate like a good friend. | Close and personal. |
| Example | Please close the door before you leave. | They are close as any man would, sharing their secrets with one another. | intimate friends |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A1 | - | C1 |
| Part of speech | verb | adjective | |
| Collocations | firmly, tightly, gently, firmly, tightly, gently, permanently, temporarily, officially, to, permanently, temporarily, officially, to | close friends, as close as friends, close relationship, close as family, close bond | intimate relationship, intimate setting, intimate conversation, intimate friends, intimate details |
| Antonyms | open, start | - | distant, remote, aloof |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'close' with 'shut' – know when to use which., Using 'close' when referring to people (e.g., 'close the friend') instead of 'end' or 'finish'. | 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 | Use 'close' when talking about shutting physical objects like doors or books. It can also mean to finish something, such as a meeting. Avoid using it with people in most contexts, except in very informal conversations. | 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 vs Close as any man would vs Intimate
What's the difference between Close, Close as any man would, and Intimate?
Close: To shut something, like a door or a window. Close as any man would: To be very close or intimate like a good friend. Intimate: Close and personal.
Which is more common: Close, Close as any man would, and Intimate?
Close is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Close, Close as any man would, and Intimate?
Intimate is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Can you show an example of each?
Close: Please close the door before you leave. 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, Close as any man would, and Intimate interchangeably?
Not always. Close, 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.