liberally
gb/lˈɪbɚəli/ us/lˈɪbɚəli/
B2
English
~ 10000
bőségesen, bőven, tágan, lazán, szabadon, liberálisan
B2
1
Usage pattern:
to [verb] [something] liberally
Apply the sunscreen liberally to all exposed skin.
Vigye fel bőségesen a naptejet minden szabadon lévő bőrfelületre.
She seasoned the soup liberally with salt and pepper.
Bőségesen ízesítette a levest sóval és borssal.
The charity spends its funds liberally on local projects.
He used emojis liberally throughout his messages.
Sprinkle the cheese liberally over the top of the pasta.
Learner examples
Put the cream on your hands liberally.
Kenj bőségesen krémet a kezedre.
She uses sugar liberally in her coffee.
Bőven tesz cukrot a kávéjába.
They gave money liberally to the school.
Paint the wall liberally so the color looks strong.
He sprays perfume liberally before going out.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes think "liberally" always relates to politics because of the word "liberal". In this common meaning, it simply means "a lot" or "in a generous amount" and is often used for things like food, money, or products.
Meaning
in a generous or large amount
Collocations
apply liberally
|use liberally
|season liberally
|sprinkle liberally
|spend liberally
|donate liberally
Synonyms
generously (Very close in meaning; often focuses slightly more on kindness or willingness, while "liberally" more strongly suggests a large amount.)
Antonyms
sparingly (Means using only a small amount, often with care or restraint, which is the opposite of using something liberally.)
Themes
daily life
|food
|money
|core_vocabulary
|daily_life
Definition
In a way that uses or gives a lot of something.
In a generous or plentiful way, using or giving a large amount of something.
C1
2
Usage pattern:
to [verb] [something] liberally
The judge interpreted the law liberally to protect the workers.
A bíró tágan értelmezte a törvényt, hogy megvédje a dolgozókat.
The term "friend" is used very liberally on social media.
A „barát” szót nagyon tágan használják a közösségi médiában.
The script was adapted liberally from the original novel.
Some teachers grade liberally, giving students the benefit of the doubt.
He quotes liberally from other authors to support his argument.
Learner examples
The coach follows the rules liberally in friendly games.
Az edző barátságos meccseken lazán kezeli a szabályokat.
This movie is based liberally on the true story.
Ez a film meglehetősen szabadon alapul a valós történeten.
They used the word "hero" liberally in the article.
The teacher marked the test liberally and gave many points.
The editor changed the text liberally to make it shorter.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this sense with the "in large amounts" meaning. When "liberally" describes how someone interprets or uses rules, words, or texts, it usually means "not strictly" or "broadly", not "a lot".
Meaning
in a broad, non-strict way
Collocations
interpret liberally
|use the term liberally
|adapted liberally from
|quote liberally from
|edited liberally
|apply the rule liberally
Synonyms
loosely (Very close in this context; "loosely" is more common and slightly more informal, while "liberally" can sound a bit more formal or deliberate.)
Antonyms
strictly (Describes following or interpreting rules or words in a very exact way, the opposite of doing so liberally.)
Themes
law
|language
|education
|media
|communication
Definition
In a way that is open and not strict when you read, use, or follow words, rules, or ideas.
In a way that is not strict, exact, or limited, especially when interpreting words, rules, or ideas.
C1
3
liberálisan
C1
Usage pattern:
to [verb] liberally on [issue]
She tends to vote liberally on education and healthcare issues.
Oktatási és egészségügyi kérdésekben általában liberálisan szavaz.
Many young people today think liberally about marriage and family roles.
Ma sok fiatal liberálisan gondolkodik a házasságról és a családi szerepekről.
The party has governed liberally on social policy while remaining cautious on the economy.
Learner examples
He votes liberally in national elections.
Liberálisan szavaz az országos választásokon.
They think liberally about human rights.
Liberálisan gondolkodnak az emberi jogokról.
The new leaders plan to act liberally on social laws.
Young people in the city often speak liberally about change.
Many students discuss problems liberally in their politics club.
Common mistake:
Learners may assume that every use of "liberally" is about politics. It is political only when the context is clearly about political views or social issues; otherwise, it usually means "in a large amount" or "not strictly".
Meaning
in a politically liberal way
Collocations
vote liberally
|think liberally
|act liberally on social issues
|govern liberally
Synonyms
progressively (Suggests support for social progress and reform, very close in political meaning but slightly more focused on change over time.)
Antonyms
conservatively (Describes political views that prefer tradition and slow change, the opposite of politically liberal attitudes.)
Themes
politics
|society
|law
Definition
In a way that shows support for liberal political or social ideas.
In a way that reflects or supports liberal political or social principles, such as social reform, individual rights, and equality.
Grammar
Dictionary form
liberally
IPA
GB/lˈɪbɚəli/
US/lˈɪbɚəli/
Syllables & stress
lib - er - ally (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (lib)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: liberally
- Plural: liberallies
Word family
Forms
liberallies
noun
Core family
liberal
adjective B2
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
illiberal
adjective
Advanced or less common
Expressions
apply liberally
1/əplˈaɪ lˈɪbɚəli/
fixed phrase
put on in a thick amount
To put a lot of a product (like cream, lotion, or sauce) on something, so it covers it well.
Examples
- After showering, apply liberally to dry areas of the skin.
- For best results, apply liberally to the affected area twice a day.
- Spray the cleaner onto the surface, then apply liberally again if stains remain.
interpret liberally
1/ɪntˈɚpɹət lˈɪbɚəli/
fixed phrase
understand in a broad, loose way
To understand or explain words, rules, or laws in a way that is open and not very strict.
Examples
- The court chose to interpret liberally the rights guaranteed in the constitution.
- Teachers are encouraged to interpret liberally the dress code during hot weather.
season liberally
1/sˈizən lˈɪbɚəli/
fixed phrase
add a lot of seasoning
To add a lot of salt, pepper, or other spices to food.
Examples
- Season liberally with salt and black pepper before grilling.
- Once the vegetables are soft, season liberally and taste again.