loosely

[ loos-lee ]

adverb

1. in a way that is not secure, tight, or restrained:

   Cover the chicken loosely with foil so the spices don't burn.

   After filling up, the driver loosely closed the gas cap, which subsequently fell off as they headed down the highway.

2. in a way that is not firm, rigid, or taut:

   Roll the cut strip of fabric loosely, with the pattern side in.

   A chain, secured at the top and bottom but hanging loosely against the rock, assists with the final steep ascent.

3. in a way that is relaxed or limber:

   Bend forward with your head and arms hanging down loosely.

4. (of a structure or arrangement) in a way that is not compact and allows space between parts or components:

   The flour should be loosely packed and fluffy, rather than tamped into a solid block.

   The superficial fat layer is made up of tightly packed fat cells, whereas in the deeper layers the cells are more loosely arranged.

5. in a way that is not strict or precise:

   Romania was made famous in the West by the legend of Dracula, based loosely on Vlad the Impaler.

   The term is often used rather loosely to refer to any group with identifiable shared characteristics.

6. in a way that has few restraints and allows for freedom of independent action:

   The cooperative buys organic soybeans from a loosely organized group of independent Michigan growers, and resells the beans to customers in Japan and elsewhere.

Other Words From

• o·ver·loose·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of loosely¹

loose ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Depending on chemical markers placed on these histones, the chromatin can be wound tightly -- preventing transcription factors from binding -- or loosely, making it accessible for generating mRNA copies.

From Science Daily

He looked to be in his early fifties, in baggy clothes and loosely laced sneakers, eyes squeezed mostly closed, expression slack.

From Salon

The tweet included a few words in Samoan which loosely translated as "looking forward to meeting the Samoan people".

From BBC

By contrast, if someone hasn't actually stayed at, say, the hotel they are reviewing, or didn't dine at the restaurant they are writing about, they'll use abstract generalities loosely related to the experience.

From Salon

Over the decades, the brothers have been subjects in documentaries, loosely portrayed on film and TV, and even parodied in comedies and sketch series.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• almost
• generally
• relatively
• roughly