freely

English

Pronunciation

  • (US) IPA(key): /ˈfɹili/
  • (file)
  • Rhymes: -iːli

Etymology 1

From Middle English frely, freelich, from Old English frēolīc (free, freeborn, glorious, stately, magnificent, noble, beautiful, charming), equivalent to free + -ly. Compare Middle Low German vrilik, vrigelik (free), Middle High German vrīlich (free).

Alternative forms

  • frely (Scotland)

Adjective

freely (comparative freelier or more freely, superlative freeliest or most freely)

  1. Free; frank.
  2. Generous; noble; excellent; beautiful; lovely.
Derived terms

Etymology 2

From Middle English frely, freliche, from Old English frēolīċe (freely, readily, as a festival), equivalent to free + -ly. Compare Dutch vrijelijk (freely), German freilich (certainly, of course).

Adverb

freely (comparative freelier or more freely, superlative freeliest or most freely)

  1. In a free manner.
    Wine was flowing freely.
  2. Without interference or restriction.
  3. Of one's own free will.
    I will freely help you.
Translations
This article is issued from Wiktionary. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.