Reading Theme:
Roughly Meaning: Approx vs Harshly Usage & Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1:approximately (roughly)
roughly
/ˈrʌfli/
adv.
Not exact, but close to the real number or amount.
approximately
➕
/əˈprɑːksɪmətli/
adv.
Used to indicate an amount, number, time, or degree that is not exact but close to the real value.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old English 'ruh' (rough, uneven) + adverbial suffix '-ly'.
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine a rough stone: you can only guess its weight 'roughly', not exactly.
📖 Example
The new smartphone costs roughly 800 dollars.
The new smartphone costs approximately 800 dollars.
🔗 Collocations
roughly equal – approximately the same in value or size
roughly the same – nearly identical
roughly estimated – calculated in a general way without precision
🔄 Synonyms
about (adv.) – Used to indicate an approximate number or amount.
approximately (adv.) – Used to show that something is almost but not exactly correct.
around (adv.) – Used to express an approximate number.
🚫 Antonyms
exactly (adv.) – In an exact manner; without approximation.
precisely (adv.) – In exact terms; without vagueness.
accurately (adv.) – In a way that is correct in all details.
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
Originating from Old English 'ruh' meaning coarse cloth, the word evolved to describe uneven surfaces. By the 19th century, its sense of approximation emerged in surveying and measurement contexts, where rough estimates were common.
Meaning 2:harshly (roughly)
roughly
/ˈrʌfli/
adv.
In a way that is not careful or gentle, quick and without attention to detail.
harshly
➕
/ˈhɑːrʃli/
adv.
In a manner that is not careful, gentle, or thorough; showing a lack of attention to detail.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
He roughly sanded the wooden table, leaving visible scratch marks.
He sanded the wooden table in a harsh manner, leaving visible scratch marks.
🔗 Collocations
roughly handle – to treat or manage something with little care
roughly treat – to behave towards someone or something harshly
roughly made – constructed without attention to finish or detail
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
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