B2adverb2K

Freely

UK /["/ˈfriːli/"]/US /["/ˈfriːli/"]/

Definition

without anyone trying to prevent or control something

In simple words: Without limits or restrictions.

Examples

  • You can speak freely during the discussion without fear of judgment.
  • The artist expressed her emotions freely through the vibrant colors in her painting.
  • Water flows freely through the open pipe without any blockage.
  • Visitors are allowed to move freely throughout the museum after 5 pm.
  • The prisoner was freed and could live freely again in society.
  • Information about the new policy was shared freely among the employees.

Usage notes

Use 'freely' to describe actions done without any restrictions or difficulty. It's suitable for both spoken and written contexts, but avoid using it in overly formal writing.

Grammar pattern

freely + [verb]

Memory hint

Think of 'free' + 'ly' — imagine a bird flying without any cages.

Collocations

  • speak freely
  • move freely
  • give freely
  • express freely
  • act freely

Synonyms

  • freely
  • openly
  • unrestricted
  • unhindered
  • liberally

Antonyms

  • restricted
  • limited
  • constrained

Common mistakes

  • Used incorrectly as 'free' instead of 'freely'.
  • Confused the meaning with 'barely' or 'hardly'.