closely and tight share a recorded sense, so the question is not what they mean but which one fits. closely means “in a close relation or position in time or space”. tight means “closely constrained or constricted or constricting”. tight is the more common of the two in everyday English.
/ˈkloʊsli/
1.adv.in a close relation or position in time or space
“the onsets were closely timed”
2.adv.in an attentive manner
“he remained close on his guard”
3.adv.in a close manner
“the two phenomena are intimately connected”
/ˈtaɪt/
1.adj.closely constrained or constricted or constricting
“tight skirts”
2.adj.pulled or drawn tight
“taut sails”
3.adj.set so close together as to be invulnerable to penetration
“in tight formation”
| closely | tight | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈkloʊsli/ | /ˈtaɪt/ |
| Said | KLOH-slee | tahyt |
| Syllables | 2 | 1 |
| Letters | 7 | 5 |
| Parts of speech | adverb | adjective, adverb |
| Senses | 3 | 16 |
| How common | Common | Core |
| Synonyms | none recorded | none recorded |
Full entry for closely · Full entry for tight · More comparisons