Word
loosely
Phoneticsloose·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɫusɫi/
UK/lˈuːsli/
Adverb of manner
Definitions
01not tightly
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. in a way that is not firm or tight.
adv. in a manner that lacks physical tension or firm attachment.
“She tied the scarf loosely around her neck so it wouldn't feel too hot.”
“The cables were hung loosely between the two towers to allow for thermal expansion during the peak of summer.”
Usage
Usually modifies a verb describing how something is attached or held.
Synonyms
02approximately or generally
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. in a way that is not exact or strictly accurate.
adv. indicating a lack of strict precision or a general approximation in description or classification.
“The film is loosely based on a true story from the 1920s.”
“The term is used loosely by the general public to describe any flying insect, though biologists apply it to a specific family.”
Usage
Commonly used with the past participle 'based' or to modify verbs of speaking and defining.
Synonyms
03imprecise language
C1 · Advanced Formal
adv. you use this when you are giving a general idea but your words are not perfectly correct.
adv. used as a sentence adverbial to indicate that the following statement is an approximation or uses non-technical language.
“Loosely speaking, a tomato is a vegetable in the kitchen, even if it is a fruit to a scientist.”
“Loosely, the project can be categorised as a success, though several key performance indicators were not fully met.”
Usage
Often appears at the beginning of a sentence followed by 'speaking'.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“The 2015 film Being Charlie, which Nick wrote and Rob directed, was loosely based on Nick’s life.” “First, I steep about a quart of terrifically strong hot tea and pour it into a pitcher loosely filled with ice cubes straight from the freezer.” Etymology
From Middle English lously; equivalent to loose + -ly.
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
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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