Word
freely
US/ˈfɹiɫi/
UK/fɹˈiːli/
Adverb of manner
Definitions
01without restriction
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. without being stopped or limited by rules or physical barriers.
adv. without interference, restriction, or physical obstruction.
“The children were allowed to run freely around the large park.”
“Information must be allowed to flow freely across borders if we are to foster a truly global scientific community.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02willingly
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. doing something because you want to, not because someone forced you.
adv. of one's own free will; voluntarily and without compulsion.
“He freely admitted that he had made a mistake in the report.”
“The witness freely offered her testimony, providing crucial details that the investigators had previously overlooked.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03generously
C1 · Advanced Formal
adv. in large amounts or in a very helpful way.
adv. in a generous or abundant manner; given or used in large quantities.
日本語:存分※
“She gave freely of her time to help the local charity.”
“The chef applied the spices freely, creating a bold flavour profile that defined the restaurant's signature dish.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “freely” in context.
Verb
01. circulate freely
“Fresh air should circulate freely through the building to maintain a healthy environment.”
verb + adv
02. freely admit
“The scientist will freely admit that the initial results of the experiment were quite surprising.”
adv + verb
03. freely available
“Information about the new government policy is freely available on their official website.”
verb + adj
04. give freely to charity
“Many local business owners give freely to charity to support the community center.”
verb + adv + prep + noun
05. move freely
“The new loose-fitting uniform allows the athletes to move freely during their performance.”
verb + adv
06. speak freely
“The manager encouraged all employees to speak freely during the meeting without fear of judgment.”
verb + adv
07. freely accessible
Confusables
Free describes something that costs nothing or is not restricted, while freely describes an action done without hesitation or physical constraint.
RememberFree is the price; freely is the flow.
Real-World Examples
“On the ball, players in Maresca's set-up play in clearly defined positions rather than moving around the pitch freely.” “Mourinho freely admits that he doesn’t have much else in his life.” Etymology
From Middle English frely, freelich, from Old English frēolīc (“free, freeborn, glorious, stately, magnificent, noble, beautiful, charming”), equivalent to free + -ly. Compare Middle Low German vrilik, vrigelik (“free”), Middle High German vrīlich (“free”).
From Middle English frely, freliche, from Old English frēolīċe (“freely, readily, as a festival”), equivalent to free + -ly. Compare Dutch vrijelijk (“freely”), German freilich (“certainly, of course”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/freely
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0