What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
freely
Example
You are free to come and go as you please. [freely: adverb]
Example
The concert was freely available to the public. [freely: adjective]
openly
Example
She openly admitted her mistake in front of everyone. [openly: adverb]
Example
The company has an openly stated policy of diversity and inclusion. [openly: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Freely and openly are both common words in English language, but freely is more versatile and can be used in various contexts, while openly is more specific and often used in situations where honesty and transparency are valued.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between freely and openly?
Both freely and openly are relatively informal words, but openly can be used in more formal contexts where honesty and transparency are important, while freely is more commonly used in casual conversations.
