loosely

adverb

loose·​ly ˈlüs-lē 

: in a loose manner

loosely attached

a collection of loosely connected stories

His shoes are set tidily together in a corner with his socks draped loosely across them.

—Felix Carroll

Texting freed a generation from the strictures and inconvenience (and awkwardness) of phone calls, while allowing people to be more loosely and constantly connected.

—Jenna Wortham

The novel is loosely based on the life of Georgia O'Keeffe.

Loosely translated from Japanese, umami means delicious or yummy.

—N. Seppa

Examples of loosely in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

If baking less often, cover the jar of starter loosely and refrigerate 1 hour after feeding. — Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Aug. 2026

The fabric hangs loosely while still providing a flattering fit, flowing elegantly in the breeze on gusty fall days. — Melody Kazel, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026

Keep some near your houseplants to loosely secure monstera stems and other vining varieties to stakes and moss poles. — The Spruce, 20 Aug. 2026

The film loosely adapts the plot of The Taming of The Shrew and follows the rebellious Kat Stratford (Stiles) as she is pursued by Patrick Verona (Ledger), who is paid to take her out on a date. — Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 17 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing loosely

• broadly/loosely define
• loosely base on

Rhymes for loosely

• diffusely
• obtusely
• profusely