Freely
/ˈfriːli/
adverbB1adverb form
Definition
Freely is an adverb that describes doing something without any rules, limits, or control stopping you. It means you can act openly or easily, without fear or difficulty. For example, you can speak freely if you can say what you think without problems.
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See It in Action
Without limits or control; openly
- •People can travel freely between countries with a special visa.
- •She spoke freely about her opinions during the meeting.
- •The animals roam freely in the large forest reserve.
Easily or without difficulty
- •He moves freely after his injury healed.
- •The water flows freely from the broken pipe.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of 'freely' like 'easily,' but with the meaning of no limits or rules stopping you
- ✓Picture a bird flying in the open sky without any cage or rope holding it back
- ✓It's the feeling when you can say or do what you want without worry or fear
- ✓Sounds like 'free-lee' → imagine someone running free and happily, without chains or walls
- ✓Remember stories where characters escape from prison and move freely in nature, full of choice
- ✓NOT like 'carefully' (which means with attention and limits), 'freely' means without limits or control
- ✓NOT like 'quietly' (which is about sound), 'freely' is about freedom to act or speak
- ✓NOT like 'slowly' (which is speed), 'freely' is about lack of restrictions or control
Try Other Words
- •Without restriction: meaning no limits or rules (Use when emphasizing lack of control or limits)
- •Openly: meaning without hiding or secret (Use when emphasizing honesty or clear expression)
- •Easily: meaning without difficulty (Use when emphasizing smooth or simple action)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: free (without limits) + -ly (adverb suffix, means "in a way that")
- •Etymology: "Free" comes from Old English "frēo," meaning not under control or slavery; "-ly" is a common English ending to make adverbs
- •Historical development: "Freely" has been used since Middle English to describe actions done without control or limits
- •Modern usage: Commonly used to describe how people act, speak, move, or allow something without limits or difficulty
Reflect & Connect
•What are some situations where you feel you can act freely, and why is that important?
•How does acting freely affect the way people communicate and live in society?
Fill in the blanks
1.People can travel freely ___ countries when they have the right documents.
2.She spoke freely during the meeting because there were no ___ or rules stopping her.
3.Unlike being careful, he moves freely now after his leg ___ healed.
4.The animals roam freely in the forest, meaning they have no ___ or cages.
5.When you share your ideas freely, you do it without ___ or hiding your thoughts.
6.Water flows freely through the pipe because there is no ___ blocking it.
7.If someone cannot speak freely, it means there are ___ or controls stopping them.