# loosely

/ˈɫusɫi/ (US) · /lˈuːsli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/loosely
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. not tightly

adverb · CEFR B2

in a way that is not firm or tight.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. approximately or generally

adverb · CEFR B2

in a way that is not exact or strictly accurate.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. imprecise language

adverb · CEFR C1 · Formal

you use this when you are giving a general idea but your words are not perfectly correct.

For teachers: 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'.

## Examples

- She tied her hair loosely with a ribbon.
- The film is loosely based on a true story, though many names and dates were changed for drama.
- The various departments are loosely organized under a central committee, allowing each team to maintain its own unique culture while sharing a common budget.

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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.