loosely

Without being held, tied, or fitted tightly.

• Tie the rope loosely.
• Her coat hung loosely around her shoulders.
• The parcel was loosely wrapped in brown paper.

Opposites: tightly

Common phrases: tie loosely, loosely wrapped, fit loosely

In a way that is only roughly accurate or connected, rather than exact or close.

• The two ideas are loosely related.
• The story is loosely based on real events.
• The tasks were loosely grouped by topic.

How to use it: loosely based on something (The film is loosely based on her childhood.)

Similar words: roughly, approximately

Opposites: precisely, exactly

Common phrases: loosely based on, loosely related, loosely organised

Used when a word or description is not completely accurate.

• Loosely speaking, this is a kind of tax.
• I use the word 'friend' loosely here.
• They are loosely called vegetables, although some are fruits.

Similar words: roughly, broadly

Opposites: strictly, precisely

Common phrases: loosely speaking, use loosely, loosely called