Close vs. Tight — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 27, 2023
"Close often denotes proximity or nearness in space or relationship, while Tight usually refers to firmness, tension, or constriction, such as in fastening or fitting."
Difference Between Close and Tight
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The terms "Close" and "Tight" have distinct meanings but are sometimes used interchangeably due to their similarities in expressing proximity or constriction. Close typically refers to a short distance or narrow gap between two objects or points, signifying nearness or a small amount of space in between. For example, one might say, “Keep the door close” when implying the door should be kept nearby or at a short distance. In contrast, Tight is usually associated with being firmly held or fixed in place, indicating there is little to no slack or give. It’s often used to describe how securely something fits or fastens, as in “The lid is screwed on tight.”
Close can also signify a close relationship or connection between people, suggesting a bond or intimacy. It can relate to feelings, relationships, and even the nearness of abstract concepts or events. For example, “They have a close friendship,” implies a strong, intimate bond between friends. Conversely, Tight often refers to a state of being firmly fixed, stretched, or constricted, usually applied to objects. When something is described as tight, it typically means that it is firmly held, securely fastened, or has little to no give, as in a tight rope.
In another nuance, Close can be used as a verb, signifying the act of moving so that an opening is covered, as in closing a door or a window. Here, it denotes an action leading to a decrease in proximity or space between two surfaces or points. Tight, on the other hand, rarely functions as a verb and is usually utilized as an adjective, expressing the degree to which something is held firmly or is stretched, as in a tight grip or tight muscles.
To summarize, Close has a broader application, serving as a verb, adjective, or adverb, and referring to nearness in space, time, or relationship, or the action of covering an opening. Tight is predominantly an adjective, emphasizing firmness, tension, or constriction in how something is held, stretched, or fitted. Understanding these nuanced differences is essential for precise communication, even though the terms might seem synonymous in certain contexts.
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Can be an adjective, adverb, or verb
Typically used as an adjective
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Refers to
Nearness in space, time, or relationship
Firmness, tension, or constriction
Application
Objects, events, relationships
Objects, fitting
Example
"Close the door"
"The knot is too tight"
Usage Scenario
“They are very close friends”
“She tied her shoes tight”
Compare with Definitions
Close
At a short distance or time interval.
He stood close to the wall.
Tight
Scarcely available; limited.
Money is tight this month.
Close
Having a strong bond or connection.
They are close friends.
Tight
Fixed or fastened firmly in place
A tight lid.
Tight screws.
A tight knot.
Close
Only a short distance away or apart in space or time
Her birthday and mine were close together
The hotel is close to the sea
Why don't we go straight to the shops, as we're so close?
Tight
Stretched or drawn out fully
A tight wire.
A tight drumhead.
Close
Denoting a family member who is part of a person's immediate family, typically a parent or sibling
The family history of cancer in close relatives
Tight
Of such close construction as to be impermeable
Cloth tight enough to hold water.
Warm in our tight little cabin.
Close
(of observation, examination, etc.) done in a careful and thorough way
Pay close attention to what your body is telling you about yourself
Tight
Leaving little empty space through compression; compact
A tight suitcase.
A tight weave.
Close
Uncomfortably humid or airless
It was very close in the dressing room
A close, hazy day
Tight
Affording little spare time; full
A tight schedule.
Close
Another term for high (sense 7 of the adjective)
Tight
Closely reasoned or concise
A tight argument.
A tight style of writing.
Close
Very near to someone or something; with very little space between
He was holding her close
They stood close to the door
Tight
Fitting close or too close to the skin; snug
A tight collar.
A fit that was much too tight.
Close
A residential street without through access
She lives at 12 Goodwood Close
Tight
(Slang) Personally close; intimate
"me and the D.A., who happen to be very tight with one another" (Tom Wolfe).
Close
The end of an event or of a period of time or activity
The afternoon drew to a close
The seminar was brought to a close with a discussion of future trends
Tight
Experiencing a feeling of constriction
A tight feeling in the chest.
Close
The shutting of something, especially a door
The door jerked to a close behind them
Tight
Reluctant to spend or give; stingy.
Close
Move so as to cover an opening
She jumped on to the train just as the doors were closing
They had to close the window because of the insects
She closed the door quietly
I kept closing my eyes and nodding off
Tight
Obtainable with difficulty or only at a high price
Tight money.
Close
Bring or come to an end
The concert closed with ‘Silent Night’
The members were thanked for attending and the meeting was closed
Tight
Affected by scarcity
A tight market.
Close
(of a business, organization, or institution) cease to be in operation or accessible to the public, either permanently or at the end of a working day or other period of time
A hoax call which closed the city's stations for 4 hours
The factory is to close with the loss of 150 jobs
Tight
Difficult to deal with or get out of
A tight spot.
Close
Gradually get nearer to someone or something
He tried to walk faster, but each time the man closed up on him again
They plotted a large group of aircraft about 130 miles away and closing fast
Tight
Barely profitable
A tight bargain.
Close
Being near in space or time. See Usage Note at redundancy.
Tight
Closely contested; close
A tight match.
Close
Being near in relationship
Close relatives.
Tight
Chiefly British Neat and trim in appearance or arrangement.
Close
Bound by mutual interests, loyalties, or affections; intimate
Close friends.
Tight
Marked by full control over elements or subordinates; firm
Tight management.
A tight orchestral performance.
Close
Having little or no space between elements or parts; tight and compact
A close weave.
Tight
(Slang) Intoxicated; drunk.
Close
Being near the surface; short
A close haircut.
Tight
(Baseball) Inside.
Close
Being on the brink of
Close to tears.
Tight
Firmly; securely.
Close
Decided by a narrow margin; almost even
A close election.
Tight
Soundly
Sleep tight.
Close
Faithful to the original
A close copy.
Tight
Snugly or with constriction
My shoes are laced too tight.
Close
Very attentive; rigorous; thorough
A close reading.
Close supervision.
Tight
Firmly held together; compact; not loose or open.
A tight sponge; a tight knot
Close
Shut; closed.
Tight
Unyielding or firm.
Tight control on a situation; tight clothing
Close
Shut in; enclosed.
Tight
Under high tension; taut.
Make sure to pull the rope tight.
Close
Confining or narrow; crowded
Close quarters.
Tight
(colloquial) Scarce, hard to come by.
I grew up in a poor neighborhood; money was very tight, but we made do.
Close
Fitting tightly
Close garments.
Tight
Intimately friendly.
We've grown tighter over the years.
Close
Warm and humid or stuffy
Close weather.
A close room.
Tight
Miserly or frugal.
He's a bit tight with his money.
Close
Confined to specific persons or groups
A close secret.
Tight
(of a space, design or arrangement) Narrow, such that it is difficult for something or someone to pass through it.
The passageway was so tight we could barely get through.
They flew in a tight formation.
Close
Strictly confined or guarded
Kept under close custody.
Tight
Fitting close, or too close, to the body.
A tight coat;
My socks are too tight.
Close
Secretive; reticent
Was close about her personal life.
Tight
Of a turn, sharp, so that the timeframe for making it is narrow and following it is difficult.
The mountain pass was made dangerous by its many tight corners.
Close
Giving or spending with reluctance; stingy
He is known to be close with his money.
Tight
Lacking holes; difficult to penetrate; waterproof.
Close
Not easily acquired; scarce
Money was close.
Tight
Well-rehearsed and accurate in execution.
Their marching band is extremely tight.
Close
(Linguistics) Pronounced with the tongue near the palate, as the ee in meet. Used of vowels.
Tight
(sport) Not conceding many goals.
Close
Marked by more rather than less punctuation, especially commas.
Tight
(slang) Intoxicated; drunk or acting like being drunk.
We went drinking and got tight.
Close
To move (a door, for example) so that an opening or passage is covered or obstructed; shut.
Tight
(slang) Extraordinarily great or special.
That is one tight bicycle!
Close
To bar access to
Closed the road for repairs.
Tight
Mean; unfair; unkind.
Close
To fill or stop up
Closed the cracks with plaster.
Tight
Limited or restricted.
We had a very tight schedule.
Close
To stop the operations of permanently or temporarily
Closed down the factory.
Tight
(obsolete) Not ragged; whole; neat; tidy.
Close
To make unavailable for use
Closed the area to development.
Closed the database to further changes.
Tight
(obsolete) Handy; adroit; brisk.
Close
To bring to an end; terminate
Close a letter.
Close a bank account.
Tight
(poker) Of a player, who plays very few hands. en
Close
To bring together all the elements or parts of
Management closed ranks and ostracized the troublemaker.
Tight
(poker) Using a strategy which involves playing very few hands. en
Close
To join or unite; bring into contact
Close a circuit.
Tight
Intimate, close, close-knit.
Close
To draw or bind together the edges of
Close a wound.
Tight
A car with understeer, primarily used to describe NASCAR stock cars.
Close
(Sports) To modify (one's stance), as in baseball or golf, by turning the body so that the forward shoulder and foot are closer to the intended point of impact with the ball.
Tight
Angry or irritated.
Close
To complete the final details or negotiations on
Close a deal.
Tight
Firmly, so as not to come loose easily.
Make sure the lid is closed tight.
Close
(Archaic) To enclose on all sides.
Tight
Soundly.
Good night, sleep tight.
Close
To become shut
The door closed quietly.
Tight
(obsolete) To tighten.
Close
To come to an end; finish
The book closes on a hopeful note.
Tight
Firmly held together; compact; not loose or open; as, tight cloth; a tight knot.
Close
To reach an agreement; come to terms
We close on the house next week.
Tight
Close, so as not to admit the passage of a liquid or other fluid; not leaky; as, a tight ship; a tight cask; a tight room; - often used in this sense as the second member of a compound; as, water-tight; air-tight.
Close
To cease operation
The shop closes at six.
Tight
Fitting close, or too close, to the body; as, a tight coat or other garment.
Close
To be priced or listed at a specified amount when trading ends
Stocks closed higher on Monday.
Tight
Not ragged; whole; neat; tidy.
Clad very plain, but clean and tight.
I'll spin and card, and keep our children tight.
Close
To engage at close quarters
Closed with the enemy.
Tight
Close; parsimonious; saving; as, a man tight in his dealings.
Close
To draw near
The orbiter closed with the space station in preparation for docking.
Tight
Not slack or loose; firmly stretched; taut; - applied to a rope, chain, or the like, extended or stretched out.
Close
To come together
My arms closed around the little child.
Tight
Handy; adroit; brisk.
Close
(Baseball) To finish a game by protecting a lead. Used of relief pitchers.
Tight
Somewhat intoxicated; tipsy.
Close
The act of closing.
Tight
Pressing; stringent; not easy; firmly held; dear; - said of money or the money market. Cf. Easy, 7.
Close
A conclusion; a finish
The meeting came to a close.
Tight
To tighten.
Close
(Music) The concluding part of a phrase or theme; a cadence.
Tight
Closely constrained or constricted or constricting;
Tight skirts
He hated tight starched collars
Fingers closed in a tight fist
A tight feeling in his chest
Close
(klōs) An enclosed place, especially land surrounding or beside a cathedral or other building.
Tight
Pulled or drawn tight;
Taut sails
A tight drumhead
A tight rope
Close
(klōs) Chiefly British A narrow way or alley.
Tight
Set so close together as to be invulnerable to penetration;
In tight formation
A tight blockade
Close
(Archaic) A fight at close quarters.
Tight
Pressed tightly together;
With lips compressed
Close
In a close position or manner; closely
Stayed close together.
Tight
Used of persons or behavior; characterized by or indicative of lack of generosity;
A mean person
He left a miserly tip
Close
(physical) To remove a gap.
Tight
Affected by scarcity and expensive to borrow;
Tight money
A tight market
Close
To obstruct (an opening).
Tight
Of such close construction as to be impermeable;
A tight roof
Warm in our tight little house
Close
To move so that an opening is closed.
Close the door behind you when you leave.
Jim was listening to headphones with his eyes closed.
Tight
Of textiles;
A close weave
Smooth percale with a very tight weave
Close
To make (e.g. a gap) smaller.
The runner in second place is closing the gap on the leader.
To close the ranks of an army
Tight
Securely or solidly fixed in place; rigid;
The bolts are tight
Close
To move to a position preventing fluid from flowing.
Tight
(of a contest or contestants) evenly matched;
A close contest
A close election
A tight game
Close
To move to a position allowing electricity to flow.
Tight
Very drunk
Close
To grapple; to engage in close combat.
Tight
Exasperatingly difficult to handle or circumvent;
A nasty problem
A good man to have on your side in a tight situation
Close
To finish, to terminate.
Tight
Demanding strict attention to rules and procedures;
Rigorous discipline
Tight security
Stringent safety measures
Close
To put an end to; to conclude; to complete; to finish; to consummate.
Close the session;
To close a bargain;
To close a course of instruction
Tight
Packed closely together;
The stood in a tight little group
Hair in tight curls
The pub was packed tight
Close
To come to an end.
The debate closed at six o'clock.
Tight
Firmly or tightly;
Held fast to the rope
Her foot was stuck fast
Held tight
Close
(marketing) To make a sale.
Tight
In an attentive manner;
He remained close on his guard
Close
To make the final outs, usually three, of a game.
He has closed the last two games for his team.
Tight
Fixed or fastened firmly.
The lid is screwed on tight.
Close
To terminate an application, window, file or database connection, etc.
Tight
Fitting securely or snugly.
The shoes are too tight.
Close
To cancel or reverse (a trading position).
Tight
Stretched; tense.
He kept a tight grip on the rope.
Close
To come or gather around; to enclose; to encompass; to confine.
Tight
Carefully controlled or managed.
We are on a tight schedule.
Close
(surveying) To have a vector sum of 0; that is, to form a closed polygon.
Close
(intransitive) To do the tasks (putting things away, locking doors, etc.) required to prepare a store or other establishment to shut down for the night.
Whoever closed last night forgot to turn off the closet light.
Close
(Philippines) To turn off; to switch off.
Close
An end or conclusion.
We owe them our thanks for bringing the project to a successful close.
Close
The manner of shutting; the union of parts; junction.
Close
(sales) The point at the end of a sales pitch when the consumer is asked to buy.
Close
A grapple in wrestling.
Close
(music) The conclusion of a strain of music; cadence.
Close
(music) A double bar marking the end.
Close
The time when checkin staff will no longer accept passengers for a flight.
Close
An enclosed field.
Close
(chiefly British) A street that ends in a dead end.
Close
(Scotland) A very narrow alley between two buildings, often overhung by one of the buildings above the ground floor.
Close
(Scotland) The common staircase in a tenement.
Close
A cathedral close.
Close
(legal) The interest which one may have in a piece of ground, even though it is not enclosed
Close
Closed, shut.
Close
Narrow; confined.
A close alley; close quarters
Close
At a little distance; near.
Is your house close?
Close
Intimate; well-loved.
He is a close friend.
Close
(legal) Of a corporation or other business entity, closely held.
Close
Oppressive; without motion or ventilation; causing a feeling of lassitude.
Close
Hot, humid, with no wind.
Close
Articulated with the tongue body relatively close to the hard palate.
Close
Strictly confined; carefully guarded.
A close prisoner
Close
(obsolete) Out of the way of observation; secluded; secret; hidden.
Close
Nearly equal; almost evenly balanced.
A close contest
Close
Short.
To cut grass or hair close
Close
(archaic) Dense; solid; compact.
Close
(archaic) Concise; to the point.
Close reasoning
Close
(dated) Difficult to obtain.
Money is close.
Close
(dated) Parsimonious; stingy.
Close
Adhering strictly to a standard or original; exact.
A close translation; a close copy
Close
Accurate; careful; precise; also, attentive; undeviating; strict.
The patient was kept under close observation.
Close
Marked, evident.en
Close
Almost, but not quite (getting to an answer or goal); near
No, but you were close.
We were so close to winning!
Close
To stop, or fill up, as an opening; to shut; as, to close the eyes; to close a door.
Close
To bring together the parts of; to consolidate; as, to close the ranks of an army; - often used with up.
Close
To bring to an end or period; to conclude; to complete; to finish; to end; to consummate; as, to close a bargain; to close a course of instruction.
One frugal supper did our studies close.
Close
To come or gather around; to inclose; to encompass; to confine.
The depth closed me round about.
But now thou dost thyself immure and closeIn some one corner of a feeble heart.
Close
To come together; to unite or coalesce, as the parts of a wound, or parts separated.
What deep wounds ever closed without a scar?
Close
To end, terminate, or come to a period; as, the debate closed at six o'clock.
Close
To grapple; to engage in hand-to-hand fight.
They boldly closed in a hand-to-hand contest.
Close
The manner of shutting; the union of parts; junction.
The doors of plank were; their close exquisite.
Close
Conclusion; cessation; ending; end.
His long and troubled life was drawing to a close.
Close
A grapple in wrestling.
Close
The conclusion of a strain of music; cadence.
At every close she made, the attending throngReplied, and bore the burden of the song.
Close
An inclosed place; especially, a small field or piece of land surrounded by a wall, hedge, or fence of any kind; - specifically, the precinct of a cathedral or abbey.
Closes surrounded by the venerable abodes of deans and canons.
Close
A narrow passage leading from a street to a court, and the houses within.
Close
The interest which one may have in a piece of ground, even though it is not inclosed.
Close
Shut fast; closed; tight; as, a close box.
From a close bower this dainty music flowed.
Close
Narrow; confined; as, a close alley; close quarters.
Close
Oppressive; without motion or ventilation; causing a feeling of lassitude; - said of the air, weather, etc.
If the rooms be low-roofed, or full of windows and doors, the one maketh the air close, . . . and the other maketh it exceeding unequal.
Close
Strictly confined; carefully quarded; as, a close prisoner.
Close
Out of the way observation; secluded; secret; hidden.
"Her close intent."
Close
Disposed to keep secrets; secretive; reticent.
Close
Having the parts near each other; dense; solid; compact; as applied to bodies; viscous; tenacious; not volatile, as applied to liquids.
The golden globe being put into a press, . . . the water made itself way through the pores of that very close metal.
Close
Concise; to the point; as, close reasoning.
Close
Adjoining; near; either in space; time, or thought; - often followed by to.
Plant the spring crocuses close to a wall.
The thought of the Man of sorrows seemed a very close thing - not a faint hearsay.
Close
Short; as, to cut grass or hair close.
Close
Intimate; familiar; confidential.
League with you I seekAnd mutual amity, so strait, so close,That I with you must dwell, or you with me.
Close
Nearly equal; almost evenly balanced; as, a close vote.
Close
Difficult to obtain; as, money is close.
Close
Parsimonious; stingy.
Close
Adhering strictly to a standard or original; exact; strict; as, a close translation.
Close
Accurate; careful; precise; also, attentive; undeviating; strict; not wandering; as, a close observer.
Close
Uttered with a relatively contracted opening of the mouth, as certain sounds of e and o in French, Italian, and German; - opposed to open.
Close
In a close manner.
Close
Secretly; darkly.
A wondrous vision which did close implyThe course of all her fortune and posterity.
Close
The temporal end; the concluding time;
The stopping point of each round was signaled by a bell
The market was up at the finish
They were playing better at the close of the season
Close
The last section of a communication;
In conclusion I want to say...
Close
The concluding part of any performance
Close
Cease to operate or cause to cease operating;
The owners decided to move and to close the factory
My business closes every night at 8 P.M.
Close
Complete a business deal, negotiation, or an agreement;
We closed on the house on Friday
They closed the deal on the building
Close
Move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut;
Close the door
Shut the window
Close
Bar access to;
Due to the accident, the road had to be closed for several hours
Close
Finish or terminate (meetings, speeches, etc.);
The meeting was closed with a charge by the chairman of the board
Close
Draw near;
The probe closed with the space station
Close
Come to a close;
The concert closed with a nocturne by Chopin
Close
Become closed;
The windows closed with a loud bang
Close
Come together, as if in an embrace;
Her arms closed around her long lost relative
Close
Unite or bring into contact or bring together the edges of;
Close the circuit
Close a wound
Close
Bring together all the elements or parts of;
Management closed ranks
Close
Engage at close quarters;
Close with the enemy
Close
Be priced or listed when trading stops;
The stock market closed high this Friday
My new stocks closed at $59 last night
Close
Cause a window or an application to disappear on a computer desktop
Close
Change one's body stance so that the forward shoulder and foot are closer to the intended point of impact
Close
Fill or stop up;
Can you close the cracks with caulking?
Close
Finish a game in baseball by protecting a lead;
The relief pitcher closed with two runs in the second inning
Close
At or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other;
Close to noon
How close are we to town?
A close formation of ships
Close
Close in relevance or relationship;
A close family
We are all...in close sympathy with...
Close kin
A close resemblance
Close
Not far distant in time or space or degree or circumstances;
Near neighbors
In the near future
They are near equals
His nearest approach to success
A very near thing
A near hit by the bomb
She was near tears
She was close to tears
Had a close call
Close
Rigorously attentive; strict and thorough;
Close supervision
Paid close attention
A close study
Kept a close watch on expenditures
Close
Marked by fidelity to an original;
A close translation
A faithful copy of the portrait
A faithful rendering of the observed facts
Close
(of a contest or contestants) evenly matched;
A close contest
A close election
A tight game
Close
Crowded;
Close quarters
Close
Lacking fresh air;
A dusty airless attic
The dreadfully close atmosphere
Hot and stuffy and the air was blue with smoke
Close
Of textiles;
A close weave
Smooth percale with a very tight weave
Close
Strictly confined or guarded;
Kept under close custody
Close
Confined to specific persons;
A close secret
Close
Fitting closely but comfortably;
A close fit
Close
Used of hair or haircuts;
A close military haircut
Close
Giving or spending with reluctance;
Our cheeseparing administration
Very close (or near) with his money
A penny-pinching miserly old man
Close
Inclined to secrecy or reticence about divulging information;
Although they knew her whereabouts her friends kept close about it
Close
Near in time or place or relationship;
As the wedding day drew near
Stood near the door
Don't shoot until they come near
Getting near to the true explanation
Her mother is always near
The end draws nigh
The bullet didn't come close
Don't get too close to the fire
Close
In an attentive manner;
He remained close on his guard
Close
To move or cover an opening.
Please close the door behind you.
Close
Nearly equal or intense.
The game was a close match.
Close
Secretive or cautious.
She is close about her personal life.
Common Curiosities
Can Close refer to proximity in relationships?
Yes, Close can refer to a strong bond or connection in relationships.
Can Close refer to nearness in time?
Yes, Close can denote a short amount of time between events, as in “The deadlines are close.”
Can Close be used as a verb?
Absolutely, Close can be used as a verb, as in closing a door or window.
Does Tight refer to how securely something is fastened or fitted?
Yes, Tight refers to how securely or snugly something is fastened, held, or fitted.
Can Close describe a narrow gap between objects?
Yes, Close can refer to a narrow gap or short distance between two objects or points.
Is Tight predominantly an adjective?
Yes, Tight is typically used as an adjective describing firmness or tension.
Can Tight refer to a schedule being carefully managed or controlled?
Yes, being on a tight schedule implies it is carefully controlled or managed, with little room for deviation.
Can Close describe nearly equal or intense competition?
Absolutely, a close match or game denotes nearly equal or intense competition between opponents.
Does Tight usually describe a state of constriction or tension?
Yes, Tight typically refers to firmness, tension, or constriction.
Can Close refer to the action of covering an opening?
Yes, Close can signify the act of moving so that an opening is covered.
Is Tight used to describe a lack of slack or give?
Absolutely, Tight is used to describe something firmly held or stretched with little to no slack or give.
Does Tight describe the state of muscles being stretched or tense?
Yes, Tight can describe muscles that are stretched, tense, or constricted.
Can Close be used to refer to the nearness of abstract concepts?
Yes, Close can be used to refer to the nearness of abstract concepts, like being close in thoughts or feelings.
Does Close also denote secretive or cautious behavior?
Yes, Close can imply being secretive or cautious about sharing information.
Can Tight imply limited availability or scarcity?
Yes, Tight can imply scarcity or limited availability, as in resources or finances being tight.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
