re-lease
B2Neutral
Definition
Meaning
To set free; to allow to leave; to let go or make available.
The act of setting free, distributing, or issuing something (e.g., a document, product, or emotion). Also refers to the state of being freed from an obligation or contract.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word bridges physical, legal, emotional, and commercial domains. As a noun, it can refer to the act itself, the document authorizing freedom, or a new product issued to the public.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. 'Press release' is standard in both. In legal contexts, 'release deed' is common in UK, while 'release form' is more frequent in US.
Connotations
In business contexts (e.g., 'product release'), slightly more associated with US tech culture, but fully adopted in UK.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
release + NP (The government released the report)release + NP + from + NP (They released him from his contract)release + NP + to + NP (Data was released to the public)NP + be released on + NP (He was released on bail)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Release the hounds!”
- “Release valve (figurative: an outlet for pressure)”
- “Give (someone) their release (euphemism for death).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The company will release its quarterly earnings next Tuesday.
Academic
The study released findings that challenged previous assumptions.
Everyday
Can you release the button so the door can open?
Technical
The software update is scheduled for release in the next build cycle.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- The prisoner's early release was controversial.
- We issued a press release about the merger.
American English
- The new iPhone release is always a big event.
- Pulling that lever will provide a quick release.
verb
British English
- The council will release the planning documents tomorrow.
- The bird was rehabilitated and released into the wild.
American English
- The studio will release the movie nationwide on Friday.
- He signed the form to release his medical records.
adjective
British English
- Press the release catch to open the compartment.
American English
- The release valve is located on the side.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Please release the dog from its leash.
- The new song release is very popular.
- The police decided to release the suspect without charge.
- The company's latest product release was a huge success.
- After years of negotiation, they finally agreed to release the hostages.
- The report's release was timed to coincide with the minister's speech.
- The enzyme facilitates the release of energy stored in chemical bonds.
- Securing an early release from his recording contract proved difficult.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of RE-LEASE: to lease something again is to let it go back to the owner; 'release' is to let something go.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONSTRAINT IS A CONTAINER; RELEASING IS OPENING THE CONTAINER. (e.g., 'release your anger', 'release the funds').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not always 'выпускать' (to produce). 'Release pressure' is 'снимать давление', not 'выпускать давление'.
- Avoid using 'релиз' in overly formal non-tech contexts in Russian; it's a calque.
- Legal 'release' is often 'освобождение от обязательств', not just 'освобождение' (which is physical).
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'They released him out of prison.' Correct: 'They released him from prison.'
- Incorrect: 'The movie was released in the cinema.' Correct: 'The movie was released in cinemas.' or '...at the cinema.'
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'release' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral. It is appropriate in both formal ('release a legal document') and informal ('release the clutch') contexts.
'Release' focuses on setting free or making something available. 'Relieve' focuses on alleviating something unpleasant (pain, duty, boredom). You release pressure; you relieve pain.
Yes, metaphorically common: 'release your anger', 'a release of tension'. It treats the emotion as something confined that is let out.
A term from media, meaning a product (like a film) is released in multiple formats or regions on the same day.