loose
B1Common in all registers, from informal to formal.
Definition
Meaning
Not firmly or tightly fixed in place; detached or able to be detached.
Characterized by a lack of strictness, precision, or restraint. Can also mean to release or set free (verb).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily an adjective; the verb 'to loose' (to set free) is archaic or literary. Often confused with the verb 'lose' (to be deprived of).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling and meaning are identical. Minor frequency differences in certain collocations (e.g., 'loose change' is universal).
Connotations
Identical. In sports contexts (especially rugby/football), 'loose ball/play' is common in both.
Frequency
Equal frequency. The verb form ('loose an arrow') is rare and literary in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[ADJ] + [NOUN] (a loose tile)[VERB] + [OBJECT] (to loose the dogs)[PHRASE] (on the loose)[ADJ] + [PREP] (loose from, loose in)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on the loose”
- “cut loose”
- “hang loose”
- “all hell broke loose”
- “play fast and loose”
- “at a loose end”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Referring to imprecise agreements or estimates (e.g., 'a loose timeline').
Academic
Describing interpretations or translations not strictly literal (e.g., 'a loose reading of the text').
Everyday
Common for physical objects (loose button, loose change) or relaxed arrangements.
Technical
In engineering: a loose component; in medicine: loose ligaments or stools.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The archer loosed the arrow.
- He loosed the hounds into the woods.
American English
- The hunter loosed a shot at the target.
- They loosed the sails to catch the wind.
adverb
British English
- The pack broke loose and ran wild.
- She let her hair hang loose.
American English
- The dog got loose from the yard.
- The team played fast and loose with the regulations.
adjective
British English
- The doorknob is loose and needs tightening.
- She prefers trousers with a loose fit.
American English
- There's a loose wire behind the outlet.
- He gave a loose interpretation of the rules.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My tooth is loose.
- The paper is in a loose pile on the desk.
- She has loose change in her pocket.
- You should fix that loose floorboard before someone trips.
- After the meeting, we had a loose plan for the project.
- The dog broke loose from its leash.
- The coalition was a loose alliance of several political groups.
- His translation was fairly loose, capturing the spirit rather than the letter of the text.
- Rumours are starting to fly loose around the office.
- The director is known for his loose, improvisational style of filmmaking.
- The investigation left too many loose ends to be considered conclusive.
- Her moral compass was notoriously loose when it came to business dealings.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'goose' with a 'loose' feather that is not tight.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTROL IS TIGHTNESS / FREEDOM IS LOOSENESS (e.g., 'cut loose from responsibilities').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'lose' (/luːz/). 'Loose' is an adjective (свободный, неплотный, разболтанный). 'Lose' is a verb (терять). 'Loosen' is a related verb (ослаблять).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'loose' as a verb in modern contexts (e.g., 'I don't want to loose my keys' is incorrect; it should be 'lose').
- Spelling 'loose' as 'loosse' or 'lose'.
- Confusing 'loose' with 'loser'.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'loose' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Loose' (pronounced /luːs/) is mainly an adjective meaning 'not tight'. 'Lose' (pronounced /luːz/) is a verb meaning 'to be deprived of' or 'to fail to win'.
Yes, but it is rare and literary. It means 'to set free' or 'to release' (e.g., 'to loose an arrow'). In modern everyday English, 'loosen' (to make less tight) is the more common verb.
It is an idiom meaning 'escaped and free', often used for criminals or dangerous animals (e.g., 'The escaped prisoner is still on the loose').
Yes, figuratively. A 'loose' person can be morally unrestrained. A 'loose cannon' is someone who is unpredictable and uncontrollable.