roughly
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for roughly, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — Approximately; not exactly.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use roughly
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From rough plus the adverb-forming suffix -ly.
Full origin of roughly →Frequently asked questions
What does “roughly” mean?
The word “roughly” means approximately; not exactly. In plain terms, either "approximately" (roughly three miles) or "in a harsh, forceful manner" (pushed roughly).
How do you pronounce “roughly”?
“Roughly” is pronounced RUHF-lee (/ˈɹʌf.li/ in IPA).
How do you use “roughly” in a sentence?
Here is “roughly” used in a sentence: “The trip took roughly three hours.”
What part of speech is “roughly”?
“Roughly” is an adverb.
Is “roughly” a common word?
“Roughly” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “roughly” have?
“Roughly” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: approximately; not exactly.
What is the difference between 'roughly' and 'approximately'?
Both mean 'not exactly' when giving a figure, and they are often interchangeable. 'Roughly' is slightly more informal and conversational, while 'approximately' sounds more precise and is common in technical or formal writing.
When does 'roughly' mean 'harshly' rather than 'approximately'?
'Roughly' means 'approximately' when it modifies a number or amount, as in 'roughly ten miles'. It means in a rough, harsh, or ungentle way when it describes an action, as in 'he pushed the door roughly'.
What is the difference between 'roughly' and 'about'?
Both signal an approximate amount, and both are informal. 'About' typically comes directly before the number ('about 50 people'), and 'roughly' works the same way ('roughly 50 people'), though 'roughly' can suggest a slightly looser estimate.