loosely construed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "loosely construed" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal or formal contexts to indicate that something is interpreted in a broad or flexible manner. Example: "The law is often loosely construed to allow for a wider range of interpretations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Among other names that could be loosely construed as referendum-related, 83 boys were called Scott, plus a single Scot and even a Scotty.

Independent

In fact, Iraq's "generation of 870," loosely construed, contained some of the most striking and lastingly important figures in all of early Islamicate civilization.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But it also can be loosely construed to mean a number of games that permit the fan to play either a virtual game or a virtual season of baseball.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Moreover, the long-arm jurisdictional rules of Mississippi are so loosely construed that once a case is filed by one state resident, a lawyer can find dozens or even hundreds or thousands of other people with no ties to the state but suffering similar injuries.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Slavery, of course, was wholly abolished from the Constitution in the 1860s with the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments, which is why no constitutional scholar today, right, left or center, would argue that the Constitution -- whether construed strictly, loosely, or just right -- condones the institution.

Huffington Post

But for the most part the exhibition is true to its title, displaying a range of representational styles that may be construed more or less loosely as realist.

The New York Times - Arts

Most mathematicians are not predicativists; in our opinion the best answer to predicativist objections is to deny that comprehension axioms can properly be construed as definitions (though we admit that we seem to find ourselves frequently speaking loosely of φ as the condition which "defines" {x | φ}).

SEP

Was freedom, narrowly construed, enough?

The New York Times

But he was construed otherwise.

The New Yorker

But anarchism, broadly construed, is becoming fashionable.

The New York Times - Arts

Watch out!" – was construed a threat.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "loosely construed", ensure the context provides sufficient clarity to avoid ambiguity. Specify what aspects are being interpreted loosely to guide the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "loosely construed" as a justification for misinterpreting or distorting facts. The interpretation should still be reasonable and grounded in evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "loosely construed" functions as a descriptor, modifying a noun or concept to indicate that it's being interpreted in a non-restrictive or flexible manner. As Ludwig AI points out, this construction suggests a broad understanding rather than a precise definition.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "loosely construed" is a grammatically correct way to indicate that something is being interpreted broadly or flexibly. As shown by Ludwig AI, it appears most frequently in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. While the phrase is acceptable, clarity is essential to avoid misinterpretations. Consider alternatives like "broadly interpreted" or "flexibly understood" depending on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey. Remember to use this phrase judiciously to maintain the integrity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

broadly interpreted

Emphasizes the wide scope of interpretation.

liberally interpreted

Highlights the freedom taken in the interpretation.

generally understood

Focuses on the common understanding, which might not be precise.

flexibly understood

Stresses the adaptability and lack of rigidity in comprehension.

informally defined

Suggests a definition that lacks precision or official status.

taken in a broad sense

Highlights that the interpretation is not limited to a strict meaning.

not strictly defined

Directly indicates the absence of a rigid definition.

interpreted in a wider context

Suggests considering a larger scope when understanding something.

understood in a general way

Emphasizes a non-specific, overall understanding.

assumed to mean

Focuses on the inferred meaning rather than a stated definition.

FAQs

What does "loosely construed" mean?

The phrase "loosely construed" means that something is interpreted broadly or flexibly, rather than in a strict or literal sense. It suggests a more relaxed approach to understanding or applying a rule, law, or concept.

How can I use "loosely construed" in a sentence?

You might say, "The term 'family' can be "broadly interpreted", or "loosely construed", to include close friends and chosen family members."

What are some alternatives to "loosely construed"?

Alternatives include "broadly interpreted", "liberally interpreted", "generally understood", or "flexibly understood". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "loosely construed"?

While the phrase is grammatically correct, using "loosely construed" might be inappropriate if you need a precise or legally binding interpretation. In such cases, a stricter and more defined approach is required.