tightly Meaning & Definition
What Does Tightly Mean?
Tightly is used as an adjective meaning having elements close together. It can also mean so close in structure as to prevent passage or escape (as of liquid, gas, or light) compare lightproof, watertight.
Tightly in Brief
| Part of speech | adjective |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈtīt/ |
| Comparative / superlative | tightlier, tightliest |
Tightly Definition (Adjective)
- having elements close together
a tight formation / a tight line of type
- so close in structure as to prevent passage or escape (as of liquid, gas, or light) compare lightproof, watertight
a tight ship / a tight seal
- fitting very close to the body
tight jeans
- too snug
tight shoes
- closely packed : very full
a tight bale of hay
- barely allowing time for completion
a tight schedule / tight deadlines
- allowing little or no room for free motion or movement
a tight connection / a tight crawl space
- having a small radius
a tight turn
- strongly fixed or held : secure
a tight jar lid / a tight grip on the ladder
- not slack or loose : taut
kept the reins tight / a tight knot / a tight drumhead
- marked by firmness and muscle tone
a tight stomach
- marked by unusual tension (as in the face or body)
lips tight with anger / a family tight with fear
- difficult to cope with
in a tight spot financially
- relatively difficult to obtain
money is tight just now
- characterized by such difficulty
a tight job market
- not liberal in giving : stingy
tight with a penny
- characterized by little difference in the relative positions of contestants with respect to final outcome : close
a tight race for mayor
- characterized by firmness or strictness in control or application or in attention to details
tight security / ran a tight newsroom / keeps a tight hand on her investments
- marked by control or discipline in expression or style : having little or no extraneous matter
tight writing
- characterized by a polished style and precise arrangements in music performance
- having a close personal or working relationship : intimate
is tight with the boss
- being such that the subject fills the frame
a tight close-up
- somewhat drunk
- capable, competent
Synonyms of Tightly
The source does not list synonyms for this entry.
Tightly synonyms and antonyms →Tightly in a Sentence
tightly clenched fingers
a tight formation
a tight line of type
a tight ship
a tight seal
tight jeans
tight shoes
a tight bale of hay
a tight schedule
tight deadlines
a tight connection
a tight crawl space
a tight turn
a tight jar lid
a tight grip on the ladder
kept the reins tight
a tight knot
a tight drumhead
a tight stomach
lips tight with anger
a family tight with fear
in a tight spot financially
money is tight just now
a tight job market
tight with a penny
a tight race for mayor
tight security
ran a tight newsroom
keeps a tight hand on her investments
tight writing
is tight with the boss
a tight close-up
a tight formation / a tight line of type
a tight ship / a tight seal
a tight schedule / tight deadlines
a tight connection / a tight crawl space
a tight jar lid / a tight grip on the ladder
kept the reins tight / a tight knot / a tight drumhead
lips tight with anger / a family tight with fear
tight security / ran a tight newsroom / keeps a tight hand on her investments
Word Forms & Grammar
tight·ly adverb
tight·ness noun
tight
tighter
tightest
tightly
tightness
tightnesses
tightly (comparative tightlier or more tightly, superlative tightliest or most tightly)
Words That Rhyme With Tightly
Origin of Tightly
Origin 1: Middle English tiht, thyht dense, solid, watertight, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse thēttr tight; akin to Middle High German dīhte thick, Sanskrit tanakti it causes to coagulate
Origin 2: From tight + -ly.
First Known Use
14th century