# freely

/ˈfɹiɫi/ (US) · /fɹˈiːli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/freely
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. without restriction

adverb · CEFR B2

without being stopped or limited by rules or physical barriers.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. willingly

adverb · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. generously

adverb · CEFR C1 · Formal

in large amounts or in a very helpful way.

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

- 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.

## Examples

- You can move freely around the building.
- The witness spoke freely about the events of that night once she felt safe from retaliation.
- In a truly democratic society, information must circulate freely among the citizenry to ensure that those in power remain accountable for their actions.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.