closure
KLOH-zhur
/ˈkloʊʒər/
A sense of resolution or conclusion at the end of an emotional experience.
It is an internal psychological state rather than just an external event.
The story behind the word. Originally referring to the physical act of closing a gate or a fence, 'closure' didn't take on its psychological meaning until the late 20th century, popularized by Gestalt psychology.
Word relationships
- resolution: Resolution is the solving of a problem; closure is the emotional acceptance of it.
- finality: Finality is the fact of being finished; closure is the feeling of being okay with it.
- uncertainty: Uncertainty leaves things open, whereas closure shuts the door.
Commonly confused with
- conclusion: A conclusion is the end of a story; closure is the emotional peace after the story ends.
Word family
- close (verb): To bring to an end.
Collocations
- seek closure
- find closure
- lack of closure
Example sentences
- "She wrote him one last letter, not to get back together, but simply to find closure." Seeking answers after a breakup.
- "Closure is often the hardest thing to find when a relationship ends without explanation." A quote about the difficulty of ending things.
Memory hook
Closure is like 'closing' a book after the final chapter. Closure = Closing the door on the past.
When not to use
Don't use it for physical objects (like a door) in an emotional context; use it for the feeling of 'moving on'.
Fun facts
- The term 'closure' in psychology was originally about how our brains fill in the gaps of incomplete shapes.
Explore more words
catharsis, resolution, closing, Psychological, denouement, self-contained
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