Roughly speaking
Hedging expression to soften claims
Literally: In a bumpy or non-smooth manner of speaking
Use it to provide a general summary or estimate while signaling that details may not be perfectly accurate.
In 15 Seconds
- Use it to give estimates instead of exact facts.
- Place it at the start of sentences to manage expectations.
- Perfect for avoiding accountability for tiny, unimportant details.
Meaning
You use this when you are giving a general idea or an estimate rather than exact facts. It tells the listener, 'Don't hold me to the precise details, but this is the basic picture.'
Key Examples
3 of 6Estimating a project timeline
Roughly speaking, we should be finished by the end of the month.
Generally speaking, we should be done by month-end.
Explaining a budget to a partner
Roughly speaking, we spent about two hundred dollars on dinner.
In general terms, dinner cost us around 200 dollars.
Describing a movie plot
Roughly speaking, it's a story about a cat that travels through time.
Basically, it's about a time-traveling cat.
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects the Anglo-American linguistic tendency toward 'hedging,' which prioritizes modesty and cautiousness in making claims. It evolved from the physical sense of 'rough' (uneven) to describe intellectual approximations in the 19th century.
The 'Safety' Phrase
Use this if you are worried about being called a liar later. It signals that you are guessing, which protects your reputation.
Don't Overuse It
If you use it in every sentence, you will sound like you don't know what you're talking about. Save it for actual estimates.
In 15 Seconds
- Use it to give estimates instead of exact facts.
- Place it at the start of sentences to manage expectations.
- Perfect for avoiding accountability for tiny, unimportant details.
What It Means
Roughly speaking is your best friend when you don't want to be wrong. It acts like a safety net for your sentences. When you use it, you are saying that your information is approximately correct but not perfect. It’s like drawing a map on a napkin instead of using a GPS. You get the point across without the stress of being 100% precise.
How To Use It
You usually put this at the very beginning of your sentence. It sets the stage for the 'fuzzy' information coming next. You can also drop it in the middle after a verb. For example, if someone asks how long a drive is, you say, Roughly speaking, it takes four hours. It sounds natural and relaxed. It saves you from that one friend who complains if you arrive at 4:05 instead of 4:00.
When To Use It
Use it whenever numbers, time, or complex concepts are involved. It’s great for business meetings when you haven't checked the final report yet. It’s perfect for social plans when you’re still getting ready. Use it when explaining a difficult topic, like how a car engine works. You aren't a mechanic, so you speak roughly to keep things simple. It’s the ultimate tool for avoiding unnecessary arguments about tiny details.
When NOT To Use It
Never use this when precision is literally a matter of life and death. If you are a surgeon, don't say, Roughly speaking, I’ll cut here. That is terrifying. Avoid it in legal documents or when giving someone exact directions to your house. If you say, Turn left in roughly speaking 50 meters, they might end up in a lake. Also, don't use it if you actually know the exact answer. It can make you sound unsure or lazy if the data is right in front of you.
Cultural Background
English speakers, especially in the UK and US, love 'hedging.' This is the cultural habit of not being too direct or aggressive with claims. We use phrases like roughly speaking to be polite and humble. It shows you aren't arrogant enough to claim you know everything perfectly. It’s a way of being 'socially safe.' It became popular as a way to bridge the gap between academic precision and everyday conversation.
Common Variations
You will often hear people say more or less or approximately. If you want to sound a bit more casual, you might say give or take. In a professional setting, you might hear on a high level. However, roughly speaking remains the classic choice. It has a nice rhythm to it. It makes you sound like a thoughtful person who respects the truth but also values your time.
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile and fits almost any register except the most rigid academic or legal writing. It is a 'softener' that makes you sound more conversational and less like a textbook.
The 'Safety' Phrase
Use this if you are worried about being called a liar later. It signals that you are guessing, which protects your reputation.
Don't Overuse It
If you use it in every sentence, you will sound like you don't know what you're talking about. Save it for actual estimates.
The British Understatement
In the UK, this is often used even when the speaker knows the exact number, just to avoid sounding too 'showy' or assertive.
Examples
6Roughly speaking, we should be finished by the end of the month.
Generally speaking, we should be done by month-end.
Softens the deadline so the speaker isn't blamed for a small delay.
Roughly speaking, we spent about two hundred dollars on dinner.
In general terms, dinner cost us around 200 dollars.
Focuses on the total rather than the cents.
Roughly speaking, it's a story about a cat that travels through time.
Basically, it's about a time-traveling cat.
Simplifies a complex story into one sentence.
Roughly speaking, I've drunk about a gallon of coffee this morning.
I've basically drunk a gallon of coffee today.
Uses the phrase to highlight an obvious exaggeration.
Roughly speaking, half the town was affected by the storm.
Generally, half the town suffered from the storm.
Provides a somber estimate of a tragedy.
I'll be there in 20 mins, roughly speaking.
I'll be there in about 20 minutes.
Commonly used at the end of a text for flexibility.
Test Yourself
Choose the best position for the phrase to sound natural.
___, there are about 50 people at the party.
The standard adverbial phrase is 'Roughly speaking' and usually starts the sentence.
Identify when to use this phrase.
You should use 'roughly speaking' when you want to be ___.
The phrase is used for estimates and generalities, not precision.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of 'Roughly Speaking'
Friends use 'Give or take' or 'About'.
It's 5 miles, give or take.
The sweet spot for 'Roughly speaking'.
Roughly speaking, it's a 5-mile hike.
Professionals use 'Approximately'.
The distance is approximately five miles.
When to say 'Roughly Speaking'
Giving a Price Estimate
It costs $50, roughly speaking.
Explaining a Concept
It works like a battery, roughly speaking.
Estimating Time
Roughly speaking, I'll be done at 5.
Summarizing a Group
Roughly speaking, everyone agreed.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend, but avoid it in a scientific paper where precision is required.
No, that sounds like you are speaking in a harsh or mean voice. Stick to roughly speaking.
Roughly usually modifies a specific number (e.g., roughly 50), while roughly speaking modifies the entire statement.
Yes, if you are asked about a statistic you don't have the exact number for. It shows you are honest about your estimation.
Close, but basically focuses on the essence of an idea, while roughly speaking focuses on the lack of precision.
Not really. You wouldn't say roughly speaking, he is tall. It is mostly for quantities, time, and summaries.
Very common! You will hear it in podcasts, news reports, and daily conversations every day.
Yes, it works well as an afterthought. For example: The trip costs a thousand dollars, roughly speaking.
You could say about or around. For example: It's about five o'clock.
Yes, though people often shorten it to just roughly or use ~ before a number to save time.
Related Phrases
More or less
Mostly or approximately.
Give or take
Used for estimates, usually with a specific number.
In the ballpark
An idiom meaning a figure is close to the correct amount.
Broadly speaking
Similar to roughly, but used for general categories or rules.
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