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"More or less" is a phrase which is often translated as "más o menos", and "roughly" is an adverb which is often translated as "aproximadamente". Learn more about the difference between "more or less" and "roughly" below.
more or less(
mor
or
lehs
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
1. (roughly)
roughly(
ruhf
-
li
)An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
1. (about)
a. aproximadamente
Roughly how many marbles do you think are in the jar?¿Aproximadamente cuántas canicas crees que hay en el frasco?
b. más o menos
This university accepts roughly 12,000 new students a year.Esta universidad admite más o menos 12.000 nuevos estudianes cada año.
2. (generally)
a. en líneas generales
The philosophy teacher roughly explained the concept of "society" to us on the first day of class.El profesor de filosofía nos explicó en líneas generales el concepto de "sociedad" en el primer día de clase.
3. (not gently)
a. bruscamente
Don't play so roughly with him. He's just a child.No juegues tan bruscamente con él. Es solo un niño.
b. de manera violenta
The young woman said police treated her roughly and mocked her after her arrest.La joven dijo que la policía la trató de manera violenta y se burló de ella después del arresto.
4. (crudely)
a. toscamente
Her suit was roughly made and the seams were showing.Su traje estaba confeccionado toscamente, y se veían las costuras.
5. (culinary)
a. en trozos grandes
Roughly chop the carrots and potatoes before adding them to the stew.Corte las zanahorias y papas en trozos grandes antes de añadirlas al guiso.
