closing

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable or uncountable

   The final part of an event, meeting, letter, or process, especially the act of formally ending it.

   Grammar: Countable when referring to a specific instance (a closing), uncountable when referring to the act itself (the closing of the meeting).

   Patterns

   • the closing of something
   • at the closing of something
   • a closing remark

   The closing of the conference included a speech by the CEO.

   She wrote a warm closing to her letter before signing her name.

   The closing of the deal took place at the lawyer's office.

2. 2nouncountablebusiness

   In real estate, a meeting where ownership of property is officially transferred from seller to buyer.

   Grammar: Usually singular in this sense; often preceded by 'the'.

   Patterns

   • at the closing
   • the closing date
   • attend a closing

   We signed all the papers at the closing yesterday.

   The closing is scheduled for next Friday.

   She brought a check to the closing to pay the remaining fees.

3. 3adjectivebefore a noun

   Coming at the end of something; final.

   Grammar: Used only before a noun, e.g. 'closing remarks', not 'the remarks are closing'.

   Patterns

   • closing remarks
   • closing ceremony
   • closing argument

   The closing ceremony of the Olympics was spectacular.

   In his closing argument, the lawyer summarized the evidence.

   The store is having a closing sale before it shuts down.

Word forms

Common combinations

closing date

The closing date for applications is May 31.

closing remarks

The chairman made a few closing remarks.

closing ceremony

Athletes marched in the closing ceremony.

closing argument

The prosecutor delivered a powerful closing argument.

Synonyms and how they differ

ending

More general and less formal; can refer to any conclusion, not just a formal event.

conclusion

Often used for the final part of a written work or speech; more formal than 'closing'.

finale

Specifically the last part of a performance or show; more dramatic.

Opposites

Word family

close verb

To shut something or bring something to an end.

closure noun

The act of closing something permanently, or a feeling of resolution.

Commonly confused: closing or clothes?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “closing”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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