loose

The word “loose” means not firmly attached, fixed, or fitting tightly. In plain terms, not tight, not fixed firmly in place, or (as a verb) to release or set free.

“Loose” is pronounced loos (/luːs/ in IPA).

Here is “loose” used in a sentence: “One of the fence posts was loose after the storm.”

Words with a similar meaning to “loose” include fire, unsecured, shoot, spaced out, relaxed and tarty.

The opposite of “loose” — its antonyms — are constrain, bind, fasten, tie and tighten.

Depending on how it is used, “loose” can be an adjective and a verb.

The word “loose” comes from Old Norse. From Old Norse lauss ("loose, free"), related to the suffix "-less" and to words like "lyse" and "-lysis" in modern English via a very old root meaning "to untie.".

“Loose” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

Loose is an adjective meaning not tight or not firmly fixed, as in 'a loose tooth' or 'loose clothing.' Lose is a verb meaning to misplace something or to fail to win, as in 'don't lose your keys.' They sound different too: loose rhymes with goose, lose with news.

The opposite depends on the sense. When loose means not tight, its antonyms are tight, snug, or taut. When it means not firmly fixed, the opposites are fixed, secure, or fastened. For loose meaning free or unrestrained, the contrast is confined, contained, or restrained.

Loose has several related senses. It can mean not tightly attached ('a loose screw'), not tight-fitting ('loose trousers'), free or not confined ('the dog is loose'), or not precise ('a loose translation'). In every case the core idea is a lack of firmness, tightness, or restraint.