Loose
luːs
Definitions
4 meaningsNot tightly fixed, held, or controlled.
luːs
Not firmly or tightly fixed in place; detached or able to be detached.
The knot came loose.
💡 Simply: Imagine your shoelaces are untied, or a button's about to fall off. That's loose! It means something isn't held tightly or securely. Like when your clothes are too big and they hang off of you.
👶 For kids: When something is loose, it's not held tight. Like a button that's about to fall off your shirt!
More Examples
He had a loose grip on the rope.
She wore a loose blouse to the party.
How It's Used
"The screws on the chair were loose."
"She wore a loose, flowing dress."
Of clothing: not fitting closely to the body.
luːs
Not fitting closely; baggy.
She likes to wear loose clothes.
💡 Simply: When your pants or shirt are big on you. They're not tight, so they move around and feel comfy.
👶 For kids: When clothes are big and not tight on your body.
More Examples
The dress had a loose fit.
He chose a loose t-shirt for the gym.
How It's Used
"I prefer to wear loose-fitting jeans."
Vague or inexact; not rigorous or strict.
luːs
Not exact or precise.
The instructions were a bit loose.
💡 Simply: Imagine giving someone a rough idea about something, not the exact details. Like saying a cake has 'about 10 slices' instead of a precise number. The information is not specific and may have some room for error.
👶 For kids: When something isn't exactly right or perfect.
More Examples
She gave a loose interpretation of the rules.
The agreement had some loose ends.
How It's Used
"The estimate was a loose approximation."
"He used a loose definition of the word."
To release or unfasten.
luːs
To set free or release from confinement.
The archer loosed an arrow.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're letting something go or setting something free, like opening the floodgates. Letting it out or releasing it from its bounds.
👶 For kids: To let something go or set it free.
More Examples
She loosed her hair from the braid.
He loosed a torrent of abuse.
How It's Used
"They loosed the hounds to hunt the fox."
"He loosed his anger on the crowd."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
at a loose end
Having nothing to do.
"I was at a loose end, so I decided to watch TV."
loose cannon
A person who is unpredictable and likely to cause problems.
"He's a bit of a loose cannon, so be careful what you say to him."
From Old Norse *lauss* ('free, unfastened'), related to Old English *lēas* ('free, empty').
The word 'loose' has existed in English for centuries, evolving from Old Norse and Old English roots, reflecting a concept of freedom and lack of constraint.
Memory tip
Think of a loose tooth – it's not firmly attached!
Word Origin
"free, unfastened"