free

[friː]

free Definition

• 1. not under the control or in the power of someone else; able to act or be done as one wishes
• 2. not imprisoned or enslaved
• 3. not subject to or affected by a particular thing, especially something undesirable

Using free: Examples

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

• Example

  I have a free afternoon today.

• Example

  The bird was set free from its cage.

• Example

  The company offers free shipping for orders over $50.

• Example

  She is a free spirit who doesn't like to be tied down.

free Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for free

• unrestricted
• unconstrained
• autonomous
• independent
• liberated

Antonyms for free

• restricted
• constrained
• dependent
• imprisoned
• enslaved

Idioms Using free

• for free

  without payment or charge

  Example

  The concert tickets were given away for free to the first 100 people in line.

• free and easy

  relaxed and casual, without strict rules or formalities

  Example

  The party had a free and easy atmosphere, with people mingling and chatting informally.

• set free

  release or liberate someone from a particular situation or condition

  Example

  The prisoner was finally set free after serving 10 years in jail.

Phrases with free

• free-for-all

  a chaotic and uncontrolled situation in which everyone is competing or fighting for themselves

  Example

  The store's Black Friday sale turned into a free-for-all with people pushing and shoving to get the best deals.

• free hand

  the freedom to do something without being restricted or controlled

  Example

  The manager gave the designer a free hand to create the new product line.

• free ride

  an advantage or benefit obtained without effort or cost

  Example

  He got a free ride to the top because of his family connections.

Origins of free

from Old English 'frēo', meaning 'exempt from, not in bondage'

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Summary: free in Brief

The term 'free' [friː] denotes independence and lack of restriction. It can refer to personal autonomy, as in 'She is a free spirit who doesn't like to be tied down,' or to external factors, as in 'The company offers free shipping for orders over $50.' 'Free' extends into phrases like 'free-for-all,' and idioms like 'for free,' denoting no cost, and 'set free,' implying liberation.