freely

/ˈfriːli/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈfriːli/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈfrē-lē/ (ame, mw)

freely — adverb

1. in a way that is not stopped, controlled, or limited by rules, other people, or

1.副詞B1
釋義

in a way that is not stopped, controlled, or limited by rules, other people, or outside forces

例句

Andrei spoke freely about his childhood in Romania during the interview.

freely + speak about [topic] — no restriction

Political views were freely exchanged during the public forum last week.

passive: be freely exchanged

同義詞
  • without restriction

    a phrase rather than a single adverb, but carries the same meaning

  • openly

    often implies transparency rather than just lack of restriction

  • unhindered

    more formal and less common in everyday speech

反義詞

文法句型

freely + verb

verb + freely

常見錯誤

❌You can speak free in this country.
✅You can speak freely in this country.
💡'free' is an adjective; use 'freely' as the adverb to describe how an action is done.

2. without being held in place or blocked, so that physical objects or substances c

2.副詞B1
釋義

without being held in place or blocked, so that physical objects or substances can move or flow easily

例句

Haruto oiled the rusty hinge so the gate could swing freely again.

swing freely — of a mechanical part or object

Fresh air flowed freely through the open windows of the cottage.

flow freely — of air or liquid with no blockage

同義詞
  • smoothly

    emphasises the ease of movement rather than absence of obstruction

  • easily

    simpler and more general, but less precise for physical movement

  • loosely

    specifically about not being tightly fixed, which may cause unwanted play

反義詞
  • tightly

    opposite in the sense of being firmly fixed so movement is prevented

  • stiffly

    describes movement that requires effort because of friction or obstruction

文法句型

verb + freely (manner adverb)

用法筆記

Often used with verbs of physical motion such as swing, move, flow, turn, or rotate to describe mechanical parts, body joints, or substances that are not obstructed.

常見錯誤

❌The wheel turns free now.
✅The wheel turns freely now.
💡Use the adverb 'freely' to describe how something moves, not the adjective 'free'.

3. in an honest and open way, saying what you really think or feel even if it might

3.副詞B1
釋義

in an honest and open way, saying what you really think or feel even if it might upset people or reveal something unpleasant

例句

Jenna freely admitted that she had made a serious mistake in the report.

freely admit + that-clause — admitting without hiding

During the therapy session, Salma spoke freely about her deepest worries.

同義詞
  • openly

    very similar in meaning, but 'openly' can also apply to actions, not just speech

  • frankly

    often used before a statement to show the speaker is being direct; slightly more informal

  • candidly

    suggests honesty that is not influenced by what others might think; slightly formal

反義詞
  • secretly

    opposite in terms of hiding rather than revealing the truth

  • guardedly

    describes speaking with caution, holding back information

文法句型

freely + admit/confess/acknowledge + [truth]

用法筆記

Common with verbs of disclosure such as admit, confess, acknowledge, and speak. The adverb signals that the speaker is volunteering the truth rather than being forced to reveal it.