What does "freely" mean?

1. (without restriction) without being stopped or limited by rules or physical barriers. 2. (willingly) doing something because you want to, not because someone forced you. 3. (generously) in large amounts or in a very helpful way.

freely

adv.

US //ˈfɹiɫi// UK //fɹˈiːli// freely

1 without restriction (adv.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

without being stopped or limited by rules or physical barriers.

without interference, restriction, or physical obstruction.

Example

The children were allowed to run freely around the large park.

Example

Information must be allowed to flow freely across borders if we are to foster a truly global scientific community.
- unrestrictedly
- openly
- restrictedly
2 willingly (adv.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

doing something because you want to, not because someone forced you.

of one's own free will; voluntarily and without compulsion.

Example

He freely admitted that he had made a mistake in the report.

Example

The witness freely offered her testimony, providing crucial details that the investigators had previously overlooked.
- voluntarily
- willingly
- unwillingly
- forcibly

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3 generously (adv.)
C1 Advanced Formal

in large amounts or in a very helpful way.

in a generous or abundant manner; given or used in large quantities.

Example

She gave freely of her time to help the local charity.

Example

The chef applied the spices freely, creating a bold flavour profile that defined the restaurant's signature dish.
- sparingly

Etymology 1

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”).

Etymology 2

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”).