Loose
As an Adjective
- Not firmly or tightly fixed in place; easily moved or detached.
- Not tightly held or contained; free or unrestricted.
- Lacking precision, strictness, or exactness.
As a Verb
- To release or set free.
As a Noun (Less Common)
- The act of releasing or letting go.
As Other Form
- Loosen (Verb): To make something less tight or firm.
Word History
The word loose comes from the Old Norse lauss, meaning “free, unattached, or unbound.” It has been used in English since the Middle Ages to describe things that are not firmly secured, as well as a sense of freedom or lack of restriction.
Examples
- The screws on the chair were loose, so it wobbled.
- She wore a loose dress to stay comfortable in the heat.
- The dog broke loose from its leash and ran across the park.
Synonyms
Unfastened, slack, detached, free, unrestricted
Related Words
Release, relax, widen, flexible
Antonyms
Tight, secure, fixed, firm
