Word
liberally
Phoneticslib·er·al·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɫɪˌbɝəˌɫi/
UK/lˈɪbəɹəli/
Definition
adv. in a way that is generous or gives a lot of something. You use this to describe someone who gives money, time, or help without being stingy.
adv. in a manner that is generous, abundant, or without restriction. Often describes the distribution of resources or the application of a principle.
Examples
“She liberally sprinkled pepper over the soup.”
“The charity liberally distributed the donated food to the families in need during the winter.”
“The professor liberally cited various historical sources to support her argument, ensuring that the essay was well-researched and balanced.”
Examples
simple
“She liberally sprinkled pepper over the soup.”
contextual
“The charity liberally distributed the donated food to the families in need during the winter.”
complex
“The professor liberally cited various historical sources to support her argument, ensuring that the essay was well-researched and balanced.”
Real-World Examples
“Terms like “Mini LED” or “QLED” are now used liberally, but they don’t always tell you how a TV will perform.” “When Green first called “Action!”, his dark hair was not yet flecked liberally with grey.” Etymology
From liberal + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
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
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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