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loosen

[ˈluːsən]

loosen Definition

  • 1make something less tight or firm
  • 2become less tight or firm

Using loosen: Examples

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

  • Example

    He loosened his tie and unbuttoned his shirt.

  • Example

    The screws had loosened over time.

  • Example

    She tried to loosen the jar lid with a cloth.

  • Example

    The company is trying to loosen its strict dress code.

loosen Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for loosen

Phrases with loosen

  • loosen up

    to become more relaxed or less formal

    Example

    We need to loosen up and have some fun.

  • loosen one's grip

    to reduce the force or pressure of one's hold on something

    Example

    She loosened her grip on the steering wheel and took a deep breath.

  • to spend more money than usual, especially when it comes to funding a project or buying something expensive

    Example

    The government needs to loosen the purse strings and invest in infrastructure.

Origins of loosen

from Old English 'losian', meaning 'be lost, perish'

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Summary: loosen in Brief

The verb 'loosen' [ˈluːsən] means to make something less tight or firm or to become less tight or firm. It can refer to physical objects like screws or clothing, as well as abstract concepts like rules or restrictions. Common phrases include 'loosen up,' meaning to become more relaxed or less formal, and 'loosen one's grip,' meaning to reduce the force or pressure of one's hold on something.

How do native speakers use this expression?