loose

[luːs]

loose Definition

• 1. not firmly or tightly fixed in place; detached or able to be detached
• 2. not fitting tightly or closely
• 3. not strict or exact

Using loose: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "loose" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The screw is loose and needs tightening.

• Example

  She wore a loose dress to the party.

• Example

  The teacher gave us loose guidelines for the project.

• Example

  He has a loose grip on reality.

loose Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for loose

• unattached
• unconnected
• inexact
• imprecise
• relaxed

Antonyms for loose

• tight
• secure
• exact
• precise

Phrases with loose

• loose cannon

  a person who is unpredictable and can cause damage if not kept in check

  Example

  He's a loose cannon, you never know what he's going to do next.

• loose lips sink ships

  a warning to avoid unguarded talk that might give useful information to the enemy

  Example

  Remember, loose lips sink ships. Don't talk about the mission outside of this room.

• cut loose

  to behave freely and uninhibitedly

  Example

  After the exams were over, we cut loose and went out to celebrate.

Origins of loose

from Old Norse 'lauss'

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Summary: loose in Brief

The term 'loose' [luːs] refers to something not firmly or tightly fixed in place, not fitting tightly or closely, or not strict or exact. It spans contexts from physical objects like screws to abstract concepts like guidelines, exemplified by 'The teacher gave us loose guidelines for the project.' 'Loose' extends into phrases like 'loose cannon,' referring to unpredictable people, and 'cut loose,' meaning to behave freely.