different between freely vs readily

English

Pronunciation

• (US) enPR: fr?'l?, IPA^(key): /?f?ili/
• Rhymes: -i?li

Etymology 1

From Middle English frely, freelich, from Old English fr?ol?c (“free, freeborn, glorious, stately, magnificent, noble, beautiful, charming”), equivalent to free +? -ly. Compare Middle Low German vrilik, vrigelik (“free”), Middle High German vr?lich (“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

• unfreely

Etymology 2

From Middle English frely, freliche, from Old English fr?ol??e (“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.

2. Without interference or restriction.

   talk freely
3. Of one's own free will.

   I will freely help you.

Related terms

• frankly
• openly
• costlessly

Translations

References

• “freely”, in Lexico, Dictionary.com; Oxford University Press, 2019–present.

English

Etymology

From Middle English redily, rediliche, equivalent to ready +? -ly.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /???d?li/

Adverb

readily (comparative readilier or more readily, superlative readiliest or most readily)

1. Without unwillingness or hesitation; showing readiness.

2. Without impediment, easily.

Translations