loosely

Everyday

1. Not tightly: «Tie the rope loosely». tree →
2. Not exactly or strictly; in a general way: «The film is loosely based on a true story». tree →
3. Not firmly joined or organised: «a loosely connected group». tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and first aid: bandages and clothes can be worn loosely so blood can flow. In reading: «loosely based on» tells you a story is only partly true. Translations or definitions can be «loosely» right — roughly, not exactly.

Examples

• Tie the bandage loosely, not too tight. tree →
• The film is loosely based on a real event. tree →
• Her scarf hung loosely around her neck. tree →
• The word can be loosely translated as "hello". tree →
• Hold the bird loosely in your hands. tree →
• The shelves were loosely screwed to the wall. tree →
• The ground was trodden into a deep groove beneath the loosely drawn rawhide rope. tree →

Note

Adverb from «loose» + «-ly». Do not confuse «loose» (not tight, rhymes with goose) with «lose» (to not have any more). «Loosely» is about how something is held or how exact it is.