Cool MateClose vs Intimate
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Close
Top 1,000 (very common)A1verb
Intimate
Top 2,000 (common)C1adjective
Most common: Close
| Close | Intimate | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/kləʊz/","/ˈkləʊzɪz/","/kləʊzd/","/ˈkləʊzɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kləʊz/","/ˈkləʊzɪz/","/kləʊzd/","/ˈkləʊzɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈɪntɪmət/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈɪntɪmət/"]/ |
| Meaning | To shut something, like a door or a window. | Close and personal. |
| Example | Please close the door before you leave. | intimate friends |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very 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 | 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'. | 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. | 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 Intimate
What's the difference between Close and Intimate?
Close: To shut something, like a door or a window. Intimate: Close and personal.
Which is more common: Close and Intimate?
Close is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Close and Intimate?
Intimate is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Close and Intimate the same CEFR level?
Close: A1, Intimate: C1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Close and Intimate?
Close: verb, Intimate: adjective.
Can you show an example of each?
Close: Please close the door before you leave. Intimate: intimate friends
Can I use Close and Intimate interchangeably?
Not always. Close 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.