What does roughly mean?
“Roughly” is an adverb meaning approximately or nearly, and it is commonly used when a speaker wants to give a useful estimate without claiming exactness. A sentence such as “The trip costs roughly fifty dollars” communicates that the figure may vary somewhat but provides important information. The word is especially valuable when precision is unnecessary or when exact figures are unavailable. It can also describe an action performed in a coarse, uneven, or unsophisticated manner, as in “the surface was roughly smoothed,” although this use is less common today. In everyday British and American English, “roughly” is usually formal enough for accurate estimation but remains natural in conversation, writing, and public explanations. It is often paired with expressions such as “roughly speaking” and “roughly the same,” indicating approximation rather than a precise measurement.
Approximately; more or less, with some imprecision.
"The project will take roughly six months to complete."
This is the dominant modern sense and is neutral in register.
In a rough, coarse, or uneven manner.
"The boards were roughly cut before being fitted together."
This sense is less common and usually formal or literary.
“Roughly” lets us be honest about imprecision without sounding vague: it marks a careful estimate rather than a precise claim.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does roughly come from?
The word “roughly” was formed in the 16th century by adding the suffix “-ly” to the adjective “rough.” Its early sense referred to performing something in a rough or coarse manner. The modern sense of approximately developed later, in the 17th century, through the idea of a rough calculation or rough measure. The adjective “rough” ultimately comes from Old English rūh, meaning coarse or rugged.
How roughly is actually used
In modern usage, “roughly” most often means approximately. Its older or less frequent sense of doing something in a coarse manner is formal and context-dependent.
Easily confused with roughly
No distinct entry is needed; the word is standard in both British and American English.