tightly

Everyday

1. Tightly means firmly and closely, so it does not move or come loose. tree →
2. Tightly means with no space, very close together. tree →
3. Tightly controlled means watched or limited very strictly. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday safety, screw lids tightly on medicine and cleaning bottles; hold a younger child's hand tightly near roads. In science and cooking, tightly packed or sealed things keep air out. In stories, holding something tightly shows fear or love. Phrases: hold tightly, close tightly, tightly packed, shut tightly, tightly wrapped.

Examples

• Hold my hand tightly when we cross the road. tree →
• Screw the lid on tightly. tree →
• The books were packed tightly on the shelf. tree →
• She shut her eyes tightly. tree →
• The baby held her finger tightly. tree →
• Wrap the sandwich tightly so it stays fresh. tree →

Note

Adjective: tight. With some verbs people also use "tight" as an adverb: "hold tight", "sleep tight". Opposite: loosely. Tightly is about firmness, not about tiredness or money.