roughly
Translation
approximately, about, coarsely, violently
Examples
There were roughly 50 people there.
There were roughly 50 people there.
He pushed me roughly out of the way.
He pushed me roughly out of the way.
Grammar Patterns
((modifies a quantity)) approximately; about There were roughly 50 people there.
((modifies a verb)) in a rough or violent manner He pushed me roughly out of the way.
Similar Words
Synonyms: approximately, about; coarsely, harshly; Antonyms: exactly, precisely; gently
Etymology
From 'rough' + the adverb-forming suffix '-ly'. 'Rough' comes from Old English 'rūh'.
Memory Tips
Think of a 'rough' sketch, which isn't precise, hence 'roughly' means approximately. Or a 'rough' person, who acts 'roughly'.