# squarely

/ˈskwɛɹɫi/ (US) · /skwˈeəli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/squarely
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

directly and exactly in a specific place or position. You can also use it to say that something is done in an honest and clear way.

For teachers: directly, precisely, or without deviation in position or manner. Often describes the placement of responsibility or the directness of a physical impact.

## Examples

- The ball hit him squarely on the nose.
- The CEO placed the blame squarely on the shoulders of the marketing department after the campaign failed.
- The architect designed the new wing to sit squarely within the footprint of the original garden, ensuring the historical layout remained largely undisturbed.

## Usage notes

- Typically follows the verb or the prepositional phrase it modifies.

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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.