loosely
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.
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.
in a way that is relaxed or limber:Bend forward with your head and arms hanging down loosely.
(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.
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.
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.
Origin of loosely
1Other words from loosely
- o·ver·loose·ly, adverb
Words Nearby loosely
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use loosely in a sentence
Instead of carrying several loose adapters around, you can get them all in one convenient package.
Laptop docking stations that increase your connection capabilities | PopSci Commerce Team | August 25, 2020 | Popular-ScienceThey are loose networks and coalitions of many actors and groups.
Why There Are So Few Moderate Republicans Left | Lee Drutman (drutman@newamerica.org) | August 24, 2020 | FiveThirtyEightMost of the undergraduate student body was scattered to various corners of the earth and at loose ends for the two weeks before virtual learning would begin.
Most multimillionaires are paying about as much attention to loose $20s as you do dimes.
The city’s remodel would later explode in scope and helped shake loose the asbestos that triggered the attention of the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District.
City Botched High-Rise Deal from Acquisition to Renovation, Investigation Finds | Jesse Marx and Lisa Halverstadt | July 30, 2020 | Voice of San Diego
But the specifics of “sex” were, and in many states still are, loosely defined.
The kid wore a white T-shirt with the collar stretched loosely around the top of his smooth chest.
Stacked cylinders form a base beneath her feet and loosely roll about as she juggles objects and weaves in and out of hula-hoops.
She had gathered her platinum hair loosely in a black scrunchie.
From Baltimore Ravens Cheerleader to Mrs. Robinson | Brandy Zadrozny | November 6, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTI held them loosely, looking for opportunities to share, hoping they would help others as much as they helped me.
Book Bag: Reading Your Way Out Of Grief | Anna Whiston-Donaldson | October 16, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTHydrochloric acid, which is thus loosely combined with proteids, is called "combined" hydrochloric acid.
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis | James Campbell ToddHer very pale gold hair, parted and drawn loosely back over the ears, casts a faint shadow on her pure, white skin.
Uncanny Tales | VariousWeston I had always known as a lanky man, but about his loosely fitting garments there had been an air of careless distinction.
The Soldier of the Valley | Nelson LloydTo strengthen the bonds so loosely yet so finely drawn must henceforth be the constant duty of the Statesmen of the Empire.
Fifty Years of Railway Life in England, Scotland and Ireland | Joseph TatlowThe amount of seed needed to the square rod varies with different seasons, soils, and seeds, but can be loosely a tablespoonful.
Tobacco; Its History, Varieties, Culture, Manufacture and Commerce | E. R. Billings.
Browse