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Lose

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. To be unable to keep or retain something; to fail to maintain possession.
2. To fail to win or succeed in a competition or contest.
3. To misplace or fail to find something.
4. To experience a decrease in quantity, value, or quality.
5. To suffer the loss of a person, opportunity, or item.

History and Origin

The word “lose” comes from the Old English losian, meaning “to perish” or “to be destroyed,” which is derived from the Proto-Germanic lausjan, meaning “to lose” or “to be without.” The term has been in use since the 12th century and has consistently been used to describe the act of no longer possessing something or failing in an endeavor. Over time, it has broadened to encompass various types of loss, whether related to physical objects, emotional experiences, or abstract concepts like opportunities or chances.

Detailed Explanation

“Lose” is a versatile verb that describes the act of no longer possessing something or failing to achieve a desired outcome. It can refer to the loss of physical items, such as misplacing keys, or more abstract things like an opportunity, a match, or a person. “Lose” can also be used in the context of not succeeding in a contest, competition, or battle. In some contexts, it refers to a decline in condition, health, or status. The term emphasizes the state of being deprived of something, either temporarily or permanently, and is often used when something is mismanaged, misplaced, or beyond recovery.

Example Sentences

1. I can’t believe I lost my wallet on the way home.
2. The team lost the championship game by just one point.
3. She was devastated when she lost her job unexpectedly.
4. He didn’t want to lose the opportunity to travel abroad for work.
5. They lost the game but learned valuable lessons from the experience.
6. After the storm, many homes were lost, and the area needed extensive rebuilding.
7. The company lost a significant amount of money due to poor investments.
8. I hope I don’t lose my keys again after this trip.
9. He lost his temper after the stressful situation escalated.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Misplace – To put something in an incorrect location, often by accident, leading to a temporary loss.
2. Forfeit – To lose something as a result of a penalty or violation of a rule.
3. Surrender – To give up or relinquish something, often by choice or as a result of pressure.
4. Fail – To not succeed or achieve a goal, closely related to losing in a competitive sense.
5. Drop – To unintentionally let go of something, often resulting in loss or damage.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Loss – The state of losing something, often used to describe the outcome of the verb “lose.”
2. Deprivation – The condition of lacking or losing something important.
3. Decline – A decrease in value, quality, or condition, often linked to losing status or resources.
4. Setback – An obstacle or delay that results in a loss of progress or success.
5. Misfortune – An event or situation resulting in loss or harm, often beyond one’s control.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Waste – The act of losing something through misuse or inefficient handling.
2. Failing – A state of not succeeding, often leading to the loss of an opportunity.
3. Defeat – To lose in a competition, battle, or contest, similar to losing.
4. Bankruptcy – A legal state of losing financial stability, often due to overwhelming debt.
5. Neglect – The failure to properly care for something, resulting in loss or deterioration.

Antonyms

1. Find
2. Win
3. Retain
4. Preserve
5. Save