Free
/friː/
Definitions
5 meaningsNot imprisoned or enslaved; at liberty.
/friː/
Not in captivity or under physical restraint.
The dog was finally free from its leash.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're holding a balloon. When you let go, it's free! It can go anywhere it wants. Being free means you can do what you want, like when you don't have to stay in one place.
👶 For kids: Not being locked up! Like when a bird is let out of its cage.
More Examples
She felt free after she quit her job.
How It's Used
"The birds are now free to fly."
"The prisoner was set free after the verdict."
Costing nothing; available to be used or obtained without charge.
/friː/
Not costing anything; available without charge.
The concert was free.
💡 Simply: Free means you don't have to pay money! Like when you get a free ice cream cone or free Wi-Fi.
👶 For kids: When you don't have to pay for something!
More Examples
We got a free gift with our purchase.
This app is free to use.
How It's Used
"The software is free to download."
"Get a free sample of the product."
Not subject to the control or influence of another; independent.
/friː/
Not under the control or power of another; independent.
The citizens of the new country were finally free from oppression.
💡 Simply: Being free can also mean you can make your own choices. Like choosing your own friends or deciding what to eat. You're not being told what to do.
👶 For kids: You can do what you want to do without anyone telling you what to do.
More Examples
She was free to express her opinion.
The Internet allows for a freer exchange of ideas.
How It's Used
"The country gained its free status after the revolution."
"She is a free spirit."
To release from captivity or imprisonment; to liberate.
/friː/
To release from captivity or restraint.
The rescuers freed the trapped miners.
💡 Simply: Imagine you are helping someone escape. When you help someone escape, you are freeing them.
👶 For kids: To let someone go! Like when you let a balloon fly away.
More Examples
She freed herself from her obligations.
The company freed up some of its employees to work on a new project.
How It's Used
"He was freed from his debts."
"The court freed the suspect."
To rid oneself or something.
/friː/
To rid oneself of something.
She freed her schedule to make some time for her friends.
💡 Simply: To rid oneself or something.
👶 For kids: Getting rid of something.
More Examples
She freed her mind from worry.
How It's Used
"I've decided to free my mind from worries."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
free and easy
Relaxed and informal; without worries or inhibitions.
"They had a free and easy attitude towards life."
set free
To release from captivity or restraint.
"The police set the suspect free after questioning."
From Old English *frēō, from Proto-Germanic *frijaz ('beloved, not in bondage'). Cognate with Dutch vrij, German frei.
The word 'free' has been used in a variety of contexts throughout history, reflecting changes in societal structures and values. Early uses focused on liberation from physical and political constraints.
Memory tip
Think of a bird escaping its cage - it's now free!
Word Origin
"beloved, not in bondage"