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B1 adverb #41 most common 13 min read

roughly

Top 41

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips roughly in 30 Seconds

Explanation roughly in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can use 'roughly' to talk about simple numbers and time. It is like the word 'about'. If you are not sure if there are 10 or 11 apples, you can say 'roughly 10 apples'. It helps you speak when you don't know the exact word for a number. You might also hear it when someone is talking about time, like 'roughly 5 o'clock'. At this level, don't worry about the other meanings. Just use it before a number to show you are guessing. It is a very helpful word because it makes you sound more like a natural speaker. Instead of saying 'I think maybe 10', you can say 'roughly 10'. This is a small step that makes your English much better. Remember, it always goes before the number. You can use it for your age, the price of a toy, or how many friends you have. It's a 'safety word' for when you aren't 100% sure.

For A2 learners, 'roughly' becomes useful for describing basic actions and more varied quantities. You can start using it to describe how much of something you have, like 'roughly half of the cake'. You can also begin to understand its physical meaning. If a dog plays 'roughly', it means the dog is jumping and biting a little bit too hard. It's not being mean, but it's not being gentle either. You might see this word in simple stories or hear it in instructions. For example, a teacher might say, 'You have roughly ten minutes to finish.' This helps you manage your time. You should also notice that 'roughly' is an adverb. This means it usually describes a verb (how you do something) or an adjective (how much of something). It is a step up from 'about' because it can be used in more situations. Try using it when you are talking about your daily routine or your hobbies.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'roughly' in both its main senses: approximation and manner. You can use it to give estimates in professional or social settings, such as 'The project will cost roughly $2000.' You should also be able to use it to describe how someone does something, like 'He pushed the door roughly.' This level requires you to understand that 'roughly' is more versatile than 'approximately'. You can use 'roughly' to describe a 'rough sketch' or a 'rough idea' (though 'roughly' is the adverb form). You should also start to recognize common collocations like 'roughly the same' or 'roughly speaking'. These phrases help you transition between ideas in a conversation. B1 learners should also be careful not to confuse 'roughly' with 'rough'. Remember that 'roughly' is the 'how' or 'how much', while 'rough' is the 'what'. This distinction is important for clearer communication in your writing and speaking exams.

B2 learners should use 'roughly' to add nuance and flow to their speech and writing. You can use it as a sentence adverb, like 'Roughly speaking, the two theories are similar.' This shows you can generalize and summarize complex information. You should also be aware of the register; 'roughly' is neutral to informal, while 'approximately' is more formal. Using 'roughly' in a casual email or a conversation makes you sound more fluent and less like a textbook. You can also use it to describe textures or qualities in a more abstract way, such as 'The data was roughly organized into categories.' At this level, you should be able to distinguish between 'roughly' (forcefully) and 'roughly' (approximately) based on context without hesitation. You might also encounter it in more idiomatic expressions or in literature where it describes a character's temperament or a harsh environment. It's a key word for achieving a natural-sounding 'upper-intermediate' level of English.

At the C1 level, you should master the subtle connotations of 'roughly'. You can use it to describe preliminary versions of professional work, such as 'a roughly drafted proposal' or 'roughly translated text'. This implies that while the work is not finished, the core substance is there. You should also understand its use in describing social dynamics, such as 'being treated roughly by the press'. Here, it doesn't just mean physical force, but unfair or harsh criticism. C1 learners should be able to use 'roughly' to handle ambiguity gracefully. You can use it to provide 'ballpark figures' in high-level negotiations, showing that you have a grasp of the scale without being bogged down by unverified details. You should also be able to identify when 'roughly' is used for rhetorical effect, such as to downplay a large number or to emphasize the harshness of an action. Your placement of the word should be flawless, and you should be able to swap it for more sophisticated synonyms like 'brusquely', 'crudely', or 'approximately' depending on the desired tone.

For C2 speakers, 'roughly' is a tool for precision in thought, even when describing imprecision. You understand that 'roughly' can carry a tone of dismissiveness or, conversely, a tone of pragmatic realism. You can use it in complex grammatical structures, such as 'The results, roughly aligned with our expectations, nonetheless surprised us.' You are aware of its etymological roots and how it relates to the physical sensation of 'roughness'. You can use it metaphorically to describe a 'roughly hewn' character or a 'roughly shaped' destiny. At this level, you also recognize its use in specific dialects or older literature where it might have slightly different shades of meaning. You can use 'roughly' to navigate the most delicate social or professional situations, knowing exactly when an estimate is more appropriate than a precise figure to maintain rapport or manage expectations. Your use of 'roughly' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, appearing naturally in both spontaneous speech and polished, formal writing.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

roughly in 30 Seconds

Roughly is an adverb used to indicate that a number or amount is an estimate, not an exact figure.
It also describes actions done with physical force, harshness, or a lack of gentleness and care.
Additionally, it can mean that something is done in a preliminary, crude, or unrefined way without detail.
Commonly used in news, business, and daily conversation to provide ballpark figures or describe aggressive behavior.

The word roughly is a versatile adverb in the English language that serves three primary functions. Most commonly, it acts as a marker of approximation. When you use it in this context, you are signaling to your listener that the number, amount, or time you are about to mention is not an exact figure but a close estimate. This is essential in daily communication because we rarely have precise data at our fingertips. For instance, saying 'it will take roughly twenty minutes' is more natural than providing a precise second-by-second calculation. It provides a buffer of social and mathematical safety, allowing for minor deviations without being considered incorrect.

Approximation: Used to indicate that a figure is near the actual value but not exact. It is synonymous with 'approximately' or 'about'.

Beyond numbers, roughly describes the manner in which an action is performed. This second meaning relates to physical force or a lack of gentleness. If someone handles an object roughly, they are using more strength or less care than is appropriate, potentially risking damage. This can also apply to social interactions; a person might speak roughly to someone, implying a harsh, blunt, or unkind tone. This duality—moving from the abstract world of numbers to the physical world of touch—makes it a high-utility word for intermediate learners.

The carpenter roughly sanded the wood to remove the largest splinters before applying the fine finish.

The third common usage pertains to the level of detail or completion. When a plan is 'roughly' sketched out, it means the main ideas are present, but the finer details are missing. It suggests a preliminary stage of work. In creative or technical fields, 'roughing something out' is a standard part of the process where the focus is on structure rather than polish. This usage bridges the gap between 'approximation' and 'physicality,' as it describes an 'approximate' version of a physical or conceptual object.

Manner of Action: Describes performing a task with force, speed, or a lack of precision, often resulting in a coarse finish.

The estimate for the new roof came to roughly five thousand dollars, depending on the materials chosen.

In summary, you will encounter 'roughly' in almost every sphere of life. In the news, it describes casualty counts or economic growth. In the kitchen, it describes how to chop vegetables ('roughly chopped'). In the gym, it might describe how a coach handles equipment. Understanding the context—whether it precedes a number or follows a verb—is the key to mastering its multi-faceted nature. It is a word that balances the need for speed and the reality of imperfection in our daily lives.

Preliminary State: Indicates that something is in an early, unrefined form, such as a 'roughly translated' document.

She was treated roughly by the security guards during the chaotic protest.

The population of the city is roughly two million people.

He roughly calculated the costs on a napkin during lunch.

Using roughly correctly depends heavily on its placement within a sentence. When used for approximation, it almost always precedes the numerical value or the quantifier it is modifying. For example, 'roughly half' or 'roughly ten percent'. This placement alerts the reader immediately that the following figure is an estimate. It acts as a modifier for the noun phrase that follows. If you place it elsewhere, the sentence may become confusing or change meaning entirely. For instance, 'The ten people roughly arrived' sounds as though they arrived in a violent manner, rather than there being approximately ten people.

Numerical Placement: Place 'roughly' directly before the number: 'It costs roughly $50.'

When describing physical actions, roughly typically follows the verb or the object of the verb. In the sentence 'He handled the antique roughly,' the adverb describes the manner of the handling. This follows the standard English rule for adverbs of manner. However, it can also be placed before the verb for stylistic emphasis: 'He roughly shoved the chair aside.' This placement often gives the sentence a more narrative or dramatic feel, common in fiction writing. It emphasizes the intent behind the action before the action itself is even named.

The ingredients should be roughly chopped to maintain a rustic texture in the soup.

In more complex sentences, roughly can be used to compare two things that are similar but not identical. You might say, 'The two cars are roughly the same size.' Here, it modifies the adjective phrase 'the same size.' This is a very common structure in comparisons where absolute equality is impossible or unnecessary to prove. It allows the speaker to group items together based on general characteristics. This is particularly useful in scientific or technical descriptions where general categories are being established before moving into specific data points.

Comparative Usage: Use 'roughly' with 'the same' to indicate similarity: 'They are roughly the same age.'

The project is roughly 80% complete, with only the final testing phase remaining.

Finally, consider the use of 'roughly' in introductory phrases. While less common, one might start a sentence with 'Roughly speaking, the economy is improving.' This functions as a sentence adverb, modifying the entire statement that follows. It sets the tone for the information, warning the listener that the speaker is generalizing or simplifying a complex topic. This is a sophisticated way to manage expectations in a conversation or presentation, showing that you are aware of the nuances even if you aren't detailing them at that moment.

Sentence Adverb: Used at the start of a sentence to qualify the entire statement: 'Roughly speaking, we need more time.'

He was roughly awakened by the sound of a loud crash in the kitchen.

The island is roughly circular in shape, spanning ten miles across.

In the real world, roughly is a staple of news broadcasting and journalism. Reporters use it constantly when breaking news occurs and exact figures are not yet verified. You might hear a news anchor say, 'Roughly three hundred people have been evacuated,' or 'The fire has destroyed roughly fifty acres of forest.' In these contexts, the word acts as a professional shield, ensuring the reporter isn't accused of spreading misinformation if the final count differs slightly. It conveys a sense of urgency and current knowledge while maintaining journalistic integrity.

Journalism & News: Used to report estimated figures during developing stories or complex events.

Another common environment for this word is the professional workplace, particularly in project management and budgeting. During a meeting, a manager might ask for a 'rough estimate' (using the adjective) or ask 'roughly how much' a project will cost. When responding, employees use 'roughly' to provide a ballpark figure without committing to a binding contract. It allows for flexibility in the early stages of planning. You will hear it in tech stand-ups ('The feature is roughly halfway done') and in corporate boardrooms ('Our market share is roughly twelve percent').

'Roughly speaking, we should be able to launch by the end of the quarter,' the CEO announced.

In casual, everyday conversation, 'roughly' is used to describe time and distance. If you are meeting a friend, you might say, 'I'll be there in roughly ten minutes.' It’s a way of being polite—you are giving them an idea of when to expect you without the pressure of being exactly on time. Similarly, when giving directions, you might say, 'The gas station is roughly two miles down the road.' It’s a natural part of the 'fuzzy logic' humans use to navigate the world. We don't think in centimeters and milliseconds; we think in 'roughly's.

Daily Life: Used for time, distance, and general quantities in informal social interactions.

The recipe says to roughly mash the potatoes so they remain chunky.

You will also encounter the word in sports and physical activities, though here it usually takes on its 'forceful' meaning. A commentator might note that a player was 'roughly tackled' or that the game is being played 'quite roughly.' In this sense, it describes a style of play that is aggressive or perhaps on the edge of the rules. It carries a slightly negative connotation here, suggesting a lack of finesse or sportsmanship. Hearing it in a sports context immediately alerts the listener to the physical intensity of the match.

Sports & Physicality: Describes aggressive physical contact or a lack of gentleness in movement.

The old map was roughly drawn, but it was enough to find the hidden cave.

The flight was delayed for roughly six hours due to the heavy snowstorm.

One of the most frequent errors learners make is confusing the adverb roughly with the adjective rough. Remember that 'rough' describes a noun (a rough surface, a rough day), while 'roughly' describes a verb or modifies a number. You cannot say 'The sea was roughly'; you must say 'The sea was rough.' Conversely, you shouldn't say 'He pushed me rough'; the correct form is 'He pushed me roughly.' This distinction between the state of a thing and the manner of an action is a fundamental grammar point that 'roughly' highlights perfectly.

Adjective vs. Adverb: Mistake: 'The road is roughly.' Correct: 'The road is rough.' Mistake: 'He spoke rough.' Correct: 'He spoke roughly.'

Another common pitfall is 'double approximation.' This occurs when a speaker uses 'roughly' alongside another word that already implies an estimate, such as 'about' or 'around.' Saying 'It costs roughly about twenty dollars' is redundant. While native speakers do this occasionally in fast speech, it is considered poor style in writing and more formal speaking. It’s better to choose one and stick with it. This error often stems from a lack of confidence in the word's meaning, leading the speaker to 'stack' synonyms for clarity, which actually has the opposite effect.

Incorrect: There were roughly approximately fifty guests at the wedding.

Learners also sometimes use 'roughly' in contexts where 'roughly' (meaning forcefully) might be misinterpreted as 'roughly' (meaning approximately). For example, 'He treated the data roughly' could mean he estimated the data, or it could mean he was careless and made mistakes with it. In such cases, it's better to use a more specific word like 'crudely' or 'carelessly' to avoid ambiguity. This is especially important in technical writing where precision of meaning is just as important as the precision of the numbers themselves.

Ambiguity: Be careful when 'roughly' could mean either 'about' or 'without care' in the same sentence.

Incorrect: The car was roughly damaged in the accident. (Use 'severely' or 'badly' instead).

A final mistake involves the placement of 'roughly' when modifying percentages or fractions. Some learners place it after the number: 'The price increased 10% roughly.' While understandable, this is non-standard. The adverb should act as a 'pre-modifier.' Placing it before the number ('The price increased roughly 10%') allows the listener to process the 'estimation' signal before they hear the actual number, which is how the human brain prefers to categorize incoming data. Keeping this word order consistent will significantly improve the naturalness of your English.

Word Order: Always place 'roughly' before the quantity: 'roughly half', not 'half roughly'.

The box was roughly handled by the delivery driver, resulting in broken glass.

The two results are roughly equivalent, though the methods used were different.

Because roughly has multiple meanings, its synonyms vary depending on the context. When you mean 'approximately,' the most common alternatives are 'about,' 'around,' and 'nearly.' 'Approximately' itself is the more formal, academic cousin of 'roughly.' If you are writing a scientific paper or a formal report, 'approximately' is usually the better choice. 'About' and 'around' are more common in spoken English. 'Nearly' implies that the actual number is slightly lower than the one mentioned, whereas 'roughly' can mean slightly higher or lower.

Approximation Synonyms

Approximately: Formal, precise estimation.
About/Around: Casual, everyday use.
Circa: Used specifically for historical dates (e.g., 'circa 1920').

When using 'roughly' to describe physical force, synonyms include 'harshly,' 'violently,' or 'brusquely.' 'Harshly' often refers to sound or treatment, while 'violently' implies a much higher degree of force that might cause injury. 'Brusquely' is a great word for social interactions, describing someone who is abrupt or offhand in their manner. Choosing the right alternative can help you paint a more specific picture for your reader. For example, 'he spoke roughly' suggests a deep, gravelly voice or a lack of kindness, while 'he spoke brusquely' suggests he was in a hurry and didn't care about being polite.

The suspect was roughly (harshly) interrogated for several hours.

In the context of unrefined or preliminary work, you might use 'crudely,' 'coarsely,' or 'broadly.' 'Crudely' suggests a lack of skill or very basic tools (e.g., 'a crudely made tool'). 'Coarsely' is often used for textures or materials (e.g., 'coarsely ground pepper'). 'Broadly' is excellent for abstract concepts, such as 'broadly speaking' or 'a broadly defined category.' These words help distinguish between something that is 'rough' because it is unfinished and something that is 'rough' because it is poor quality.

Manner Synonyms

Harshly: Unkindly or with a rough sound.
Crudely: In a basic, unrefined way.
Brusquely: Abruptly and somewhat rudely.

The new policy will affect roughly (approximately) ten thousand employees.

Finally, consider the antonyms. The opposite of 'roughly' (approximation) is 'exactly,' 'precisely,' or 'specifically.' If you need to emphasize that a number is 100% correct, these are your go-to words. The opposite of 'roughly' (manner) is 'gently,' 'carefully,' or 'smoothly.' These words describe actions done with precision and kindness. Understanding these opposites helps solidify the boundaries of how 'roughly' is used, ensuring you don't use it when precision or gentleness is required.

Antonyms

Exactly/Precisely: For 100% accuracy.
Gently/Carefully: For actions done with kindness and caution.
Polished: For work that is finished and refined.

He roughly estimated the distance to be five miles, but it was actually six.

The fabric was roughly woven, giving it a natural, rustic appearance.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The 'gh' in 'roughly' used to be pronounced as a guttural sound (like the 'ch' in 'Loch'), but over centuries, it shifted to an 'f' sound in English.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈrʌf.li/

US /ˈrʌf.li/

The stress is on the first syllable: ROUGH-ly.

Rhymes With

bluffly gruffly snuffly truffly scruffily puffy stuffy fluffy

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'gh' as a 'g' sound (it should be an 'f' sound).
Pronouncing it like 'row-ly' (rhyming with 'slow').
Forgetting the 'ly' and using 'rough' as an adverb.
Over-emphasizing the second syllable.
Confusing it with 'thoroughly' (which has a very different meaning).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in context as an estimate.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct placement before numbers or after verbs.

Speaking 2/5

Very natural and common in spoken English.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation, though 'gh' can be tricky for some.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

rough about number push same

Learn Next

approximately precisely estimate manner refined

Advanced

brusquely crudely ontological aggregated hewn

Grammar to Know

Adverbs of Manner

He pushed the door roughly.

Adverbs of Degree

The cost is roughly double.

Sentence Adverbs

Roughly speaking, the plan is good.

Adjective to Adverb Formation

Rough (adj) + ly = Roughly (adv).

Word Order with Quantifiers

Roughly 50 (not 50 roughly).

Examples by Level

There are roughly ten students in the class.

Hay aproximadamente diez estudiantes en la clase.

Used before a number to mean 'about'.

It is roughly five o'clock now.

Son aproximadamente las cinco ahora.

Used to give an estimated time.

I have roughly five dollars in my pocket.

Tengo aproximadamente cinco dólares en mi bolsillo.

Used for small amounts of money.

The bus comes in roughly ten minutes.

El autobús viene en aproximadamente diez minutos.

Used for time duration.

Roughly twenty people live in this building.

Aproximadamente veinte personas viven en este edificio.

Starts the sentence to modify the subject count.

The book has roughly one hundred pages.

El libro tiene aproximadamente cien páginas.

Modifies the noun phrase 'one hundred pages'.

I am roughly the same height as my brother.

Tengo aproximadamente la misma altura que mi hermano.

Used with 'the same' to show similarity.

He ate roughly half of the apple.

Él comió aproximadamente la mitad de la manzana.

Modifies the fraction 'half'.

The dog played roughly with the ball.

El perro jugó bruscamente con la pelota.

Adverb of manner describing how the dog plays.

We walked for roughly two miles.

Caminamos por aproximadamente dos millas.

Used for distance estimation.

The cake needs roughly forty minutes in the oven.

El pastel necesita aproximadamente cuarenta minutos en el horno.

Used for cooking time.

Roughly speaking, the movie was good.

En términos generales, la película fue buena.

Introductory phrase meaning 'generally speaking'.

He roughly pushed the heavy box into the corner.

Él empujó bruscamente la caja pesada hacia la esquina.

Adverb of manner placed before the verb for emphasis.

There were roughly fifty cars in the parking lot.

Había aproximadamente cincuenta coches en el aparcamiento.

Modifies the number 'fifty'.

She roughly chopped the carrots for the soup.

Ella picó las zanahorias de forma tosca para la sopa.

Describes a physical action that is not precise.

The two shirts are roughly the same color.

Las dos camisas son aproximadamente del mismo color.

Used for comparing colors.

The repair will cost roughly three hundred pounds.

La reparación costará aproximadamente trescientas libras.

Standard use for financial estimates.

He was roughly handled by the police during the arrest.

Fue tratado con brusquedad por la policía durante el arresto.

Passive voice usage describing physical treatment.

The island is roughly the size of Jamaica.

La isla es aproximadamente del tamaño de Jamaica.

Comparative estimation of area.

I've roughly finished the first draft of my essay.

He terminado más o menos el primer borrador de mi ensayo.

Indicates a preliminary stage of completion.

Roughly a third of the students failed the test.

Aproximadamente un tercio de los estudiantes suspendieron el examen.

Modifies a fraction ('a third').

The surface was roughly finished and felt scratchy.

La superficie estaba acabada de forma tosca y se sentía áspera.

Describes the quality of a finish.

She roughly estimated that she would need a gallon of paint.

Ella estimó a ojo que necesitaría un galón de pintura.

Modifies the verb 'estimated' for emphasis.

The plane landed roughly, shaking the passengers.

El avión aterrizó bruscamente, sacudiendo a los pasajeros.

Adverb of manner describing a physical event.

Roughly speaking, the two systems operate on the same principles.

En términos generales, los dos sistemas operan bajo los mismos principios.

Sentence adverb used for generalization.

The population has grown by roughly 20% over the last decade.

La población ha crecido aproximadamente un 20% en la última década.

Modifies a percentage in a formal context.

He roughly sketched the layout of the house on a napkin.

Esbozó a grandes rasgos la distribución de la casa en una servilleta.

Describes a preliminary creative act.

The fabric was roughly woven from natural fibers.

La tela estaba tejida de forma tosca con fibras naturales.

Describes the manufacturing process/quality.

The journey takes roughly eight hours, depending on traffic.

El viaje dura aproximadamente ocho horas, dependiendo del tráfico.

Used with a conditional clause ('depending on...').

She was roughly awakened by a loud bang downstairs.

Fue despertada bruscamente por un fuerte golpe abajo.

Describes a sudden and forceful transition.

The results are roughly consistent with previous findings.

Los resultados son aproximadamente consistentes con hallazgos previos.

Used in a scientific/analytical context.

He roughly pushed his way through the crowded market.

Se abrió paso bruscamente a través del mercado abarrotado.

Describes physical movement in a social setting.

The document was roughly translated, leaving many nuances lost.

El documento fue traducido de forma tosca, perdiéndose muchos matices.

Implies a lack of professional polish.

Roughly a quarter of the company's revenue comes from exports.

Aproximadamente una cuarta parte de los ingresos de la empresa proviene de las exportaciones.

Formal business usage modifying a fraction.

The stone was roughly hewn into the shape of a lion.

La piedra fue tallada de forma tosca con la forma de un león.

Specific vocabulary ('hewn') used with 'roughly'.

He roughly calculated the trajectory without using a computer.

Calculó a ojo la trayectoria sin usar un ordenador.

Describes a high-level mental task done without precision.

The protest was roughly dispersed by the riot police.

La protesta fue dispersada bruscamente por la policía antidisturbios.

Describes a forceful institutional action.

The two political parties are roughly aligned on economic policy.

Los dos partidos políticos están aproximadamente alineados en política económica.

Describes abstract conceptual agreement.

She roughly handled the delicate situation, causing more conflict.

Manejó con brusquedad la delicada situación, causando más conflicto.

Metaphorical use of physical 'roughness' in social management.

The estimate is roughly accurate, though some details are missing.

La estimación es aproximadamente precisa, aunque faltan algunos detalles.

Oxymoronic pairing ('roughly accurate') common in professional speech.

The play was roughly structured, echoing the chaos of its themes.

La obra estaba estructurada de forma tosca, haciendo eco del caos de sus temas.

Describes intentional artistic lack of polish.

Roughly speaking, the ontological argument fails to convince modern critics.

En términos generales, el argumento ontológico no logra convencer a los críticos modernos.

Sentence adverb used in a highly academic/philosophical context.

The borders of the ancient kingdom were roughly defined by the river.

Las fronteras del antiguo reino estaban delimitadas de forma imprecisa por el río.

Describes historical/geographical imprecision.

He roughly brushed aside her concerns as mere sentimentalism.

Desestimó bruscamente sus preocupaciones como mero sentimentalismo.

Metaphorical action describing a social interaction.

The data, roughly aggregated, shows a clear downward trend in literacy.

Los datos, agregados de forma general, muestran una clara tendencia a la baja en la alfabetización.

Describes a specific statistical process (aggregation).

The protagonist is a roughly drawn character with little backstory.

El protagonista es un personaje esbozado de forma tosca, con poco trasfondo.

Literary criticism describing character development.

The treaty was roughly drafted in the heat of the ceasefire negotiations.

El tratado fue redactado a grandes rasgos en el fragor de las negociaciones del alto el fuego.

Describes a high-stakes, unrefined legal document.

The storm roughly battered the coastline for three days.

La tormenta azotó con violencia la costa durante tres días.

Describes the forceful action of nature.

Common Collocations

roughly equal

roughly half

roughly speaking

roughly the same

roughly chopped

roughly estimated

roughly handled

roughly translated

roughly double

roughly circular

Common Phrases

Roughly speaking

— Used to give a general summary without being exact.

Roughly speaking, the project is on track.

Roughly the same

— Used to say two things are almost identical in some way.

The two cars cost roughly the same.

Roughly half

— Used to indicate about 50% of something.

Roughly half the class was absent.

Roughly ten minutes

— A common way to estimate a short duration of time.

I'll be ready in roughly ten minutes.

Roughly $100

— A common way to estimate a price or cost.

The ticket was roughly $100.

Roughly equivalent

— Used in technical or formal contexts to show similarity.

A mile is roughly equivalent to 1.6 kilometers.

Roughly carved

— Describes an object made with basic tools and little detail.

The wooden statue was roughly carved.

Roughly pushed

— Describes a physical action done with force.

He roughly pushed the door open.

Roughly sketched

— Describes a drawing that is not finished or detailed.

She roughly sketched the landscape.

Roughly 20 percent

— Used to estimate a percentage in statistics.

Roughly 20 percent of users reported issues.

Often Confused With

roughly vs thoroughly

Thoroughly means 'completely' or 'in detail', which is the opposite of the 'unrefined' meaning of roughly.

roughly vs ruffly

Ruffly means having ruffles (like on a dress). It sounds the same but is spelled differently.

roughly vs roughly (manner) vs roughly (approximation)

One describes 'how' and the other describes 'how much'.

Idioms & Expressions

"Roughly speaking"

— In general terms; without going into detail.

Roughly speaking, we have enough food for everyone.

neutral

"A rough diamond"

— A person who is kind but lacks polite social manners (uses the adjective).

He's a bit of a rough diamond, but he'd do anything for you.

informal

"Rough and ready"

— Produced quickly and not perfect, but good enough for the job.

The accommodation was a bit rough and ready, but it was cheap.

informal

"Ride roughshod over"

— To act without caring about the feelings or rights of others (related root).

The boss rode roughshod over our suggestions.

formal

"Rough justice"

— Treatment that is not completely fair or legal but is deserved.

It was rough justice that he lost his job after lying.

neutral

"Take the rough with the smooth"

— To accept the unpleasant parts of a situation as well as the pleasant parts.

In this business, you have to take the rough with the smooth.

neutral

"Rough around the edges"

— Having some flaws or lacking polish.

The new app is still a bit rough around the edges.

informal

"Sleep rough"

— To sleep outside because you have no home.

Many people are forced to sleep rough in the winter.

neutral

"Give someone a rough time"

— To make a situation difficult for someone.

The teacher gave him a rough time about his homework.

informal

"In the rough"

— In a natural, unpolished state (often used for gems).

The diamond was found in the rough.

neutral

Easily Confused

roughly vs Rough

It is the adjective form.

Rough describes a noun (rough skin), while roughly describes a verb or number.

The sea was rough, so the boat moved roughly.

roughly vs Approximately

They have the same meaning for numbers.

Approximately is more formal and used in science/business; roughly is more common in speech.

The results are approximately 0.5, or roughly half.

roughly vs About

They are synonyms for estimation.

'About' is simpler and more common; 'roughly' can also mean 'forcefully'.

It's about 5:00. He handled it roughly.

roughly vs Nearly

Both are used for estimates.

'Nearly' usually means 'almost but not quite' (less than), while 'roughly' can be more or less.

I have nearly $10 (maybe $9.50). I have roughly $10 (maybe $10.50).

roughly vs Grossly

Similar sound and both are adverbs.

'Grossly' means 'extremely' in a negative way (grossly unfair), not 'approximately'.

The cost was roughly $100, but the error was grossly negligent.

Sentence Patterns

It is roughly [number].

It is roughly ten o'clock.

I have roughly [quantity].

I have roughly five dollars.

They are roughly the same [noun].

They are roughly the same age.

[Verb] it roughly.

He pushed it roughly.

Roughly speaking, [clause].

Roughly speaking, we are ready.

It increased by roughly [percentage].

It increased by roughly 20%.

The [noun] was roughly [past participle].

The stone was roughly carved.

[Noun], roughly [past participle], [verb].

The data, roughly aggregated, shows a trend.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very High

Common Mistakes

The sea was roughly. → The sea was rough.
You need an adjective (rough) to describe the noun (sea), not an adverb.
I have roughly about ten dollars. → I have roughly ten dollars.
Using both 'roughly' and 'about' is redundant. Use only one.
He spoke to me rough. → He spoke to me roughly.
You need an adverb (roughly) to describe the verb (spoke).
There were 100 roughly people. → There were roughly 100 people.
The adverb 'roughly' should come before the number it modifies.
I thoroughly estimated the cost. → I roughly estimated the cost.
'Thoroughly' means in detail; 'roughly' means as a guess. They are opposites here.

Tips

Placement is Key

Always put 'roughly' before the number. 'Roughly 20' is correct. '20 roughly' is not standard English.

Use for Generalizing

Use 'roughly speaking' to simplify a hard topic for your listener. It shows you are being helpful.

Sound Natural

Native speakers use 'roughly' a lot to avoid being too specific. It makes you sound more relaxed.

Avoid Redundancy

Don't use 'roughly' with 'about' or 'around'. Pick one and stick to it for better style.

Context Clues

If you hear 'roughly' before a verb, think 'forcefully'. If before a number, think 'about'.

The 'F' Sound

The 'gh' is an 'f' sound. Practice saying 'ruff-lee' to get it right every time.

Business Estimates

In meetings, use 'roughly' to give a ballpark figure. It protects you if the final number changes.

Describing Art

Use 'roughly' to describe unfinished or rustic art. It adds a nice descriptive layer to your English.

Polite Lateness

If you are running late, text 'I'll be there in roughly 5 mins'. It's more polite than a vague 'soon'.

B1 Level Tip

Using 'roughly' correctly in your speaking exam can help you reach the B1 or B2 criteria for 'range of vocabulary'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'RUFF' dog. A dog's bark is ROUGH. If you guess a number, you are barking out a ROUGH estimate. ROUGH + LY = Roughly.

Visual Association

Imagine a sandpaper surface. It is rough. Now imagine someone trying to count the grains of sand on it—they can only give a 'roughly' correct answer.

Word Web

approximately about around forcefully harshly crudely estimate unrefined

Challenge

Try to use 'roughly' three times today: once for a time, once for a price, and once to describe how you did a quick task.

Word Origin

Derived from the Old English word 'ruh', meaning 'untrimmed, coarse, or hairy'. The suffix '-ly' was added later to turn the adjective into an adverb.

Original meaning: The original meaning was related to physical texture—something that was not smooth to the touch.

Germanic (Old English, related to Middle Dutch 'ruuch' and German 'rauh').

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'roughly' to describe people's appearances or cultures, as it can sound insulting (implying they are unrefined).

In the UK, 'roughly' is used very frequently in weather reports ('roughly 2 inches of rain').

The phrase 'Roughly speaking' is a common title for columns and podcasts discussing general trends. In the movie 'The Wolf of Wall Street', characters often use 'roughly' when discussing large, illegal sums of money. The song 'Roughly' by various indie artists often explores the 'rough' parts of life.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Giving Directions

roughly two miles
roughly ten minutes away
roughly at the corner
roughly halfway there

Cooking

roughly chopped
roughly mashed
roughly mixed
roughly equal portions

Business Meetings

roughly speaking
roughly 10 percent
roughly estimated
roughly the same budget

Describing People

roughly the same age
roughly the same height
treated roughly
spoke roughly

Scientific Reports

roughly equivalent
roughly consistent
roughly aligned
roughly proportional

Conversation Starters

"Roughly how many books do you read in a year?"

"Roughly how long does it take you to get to work?"

"Roughly speaking, what is your favorite type of music?"

"Roughly how much does a cup of coffee cost in your city?"

"Roughly how many languages can you say 'hello' in?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time when someone treated you roughly. How did it make you feel?

Write about a project you have roughly finished. What still needs to be done?

Estimate roughly how much time you spend on your phone each day. Is it too much?

Think of a 'rough diamond' in your life. Why do you appreciate them?

Roughly speaking, what are your goals for the next five years?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, it is very common. You can say 'roughly 5:00' or 'roughly an hour'. It means 'about'.

When used for numbers, it is neutral. When used to describe behavior (e.g., 'he spoke roughly'), it usually implies the person was impolite.

For numbers, they are almost the same. 'Roughly' sounds slightly more precise or professional than 'about'. 'Roughly' also has other meanings (forcefully) that 'about' does not have.

It is rare for numbers. You wouldn't say 'It costs $10 roughly.' You would say 'It costs roughly $10.' However, for manner, you can say 'He treated her roughly.'

It is neutral. It's fine for business emails and news, but for a scientific paper, 'approximately' is better.

No. Most of the time it means 'approximately'. You have to look at the words around it. If there is a number, it means 'approximately'.

R-O-U-G-H-L-Y. Remember the 'ough' like in 'enough' or 'tough'.

No, that is redundant. Just use one of the words.

It is a quick guess of a number. Here, 'rough' is an adjective, but it means the same as 'roughly estimated'.

Sometimes. If you 'roughly translate' something, it might be a bad translation because it's not detailed.