What is loose? Pronunciation and usage in English

loose means . Learn how to pronounce and use loose through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of loose

looseadjective

/luːs/
Definition & pronunciation of loose

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "loose." It's a very common stumbling block for English learners!

Here's the breakdown:

The Correct Pronunciation:

  • ˈluːs (pronounced like "Loose" with a long "oo" sound)

Let’s break that down further:

  1. ˈluːs - The stress (emphasis) is on the first syllable ("lu").
  2. 'lū' – This is the tricky part. It sounds like the "oo" in "moon" or "blue". It’s a long vowel sound, not a short one.
  3. s – The 's' at the end sounds like a regular 's' as in "sun."

Common Mistakes & Why They’re Wrong:

  • "loose" as "loose" (short 'oo' sound): This is the biggest mistake. People often say it like “luhs.” This is incorrect.
  • "luz": This is very common, but it's wrong.

Tips for Learning:

  • Listen to Native Speakers: The best way to learn is to hear it. Here are a few options:

    • Google Search: Search on Google for “how to pronounce loose” and you’ll get audio examples..
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/loose/ - This is a website where native speakers pronounce words.
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce loose" on YouTube - many videos demonstrate pronunciation.

  • Record Yourself: Record yourself saying the word and compare it to the examples you hear.

  • Practice: Repeat the pronunciation several times. Focus on getting that long “oo” sound right.

Would you like me to:

  • Give you some example sentences using the word "loose"?
  • Give you a few more pronunciation tips?

Usage and examples with the word loose in English

Let's break down how to use the word "loose" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings! Here's a breakdown organized by common uses:

1. Not Tight – The Most Common Meaning

  • Definition: Not firmly fixed; able to move freely.
  • Example Sentences:
    • "The button on my shirt is loose." (The button isn't secured tightly.)
    • "My shoelace is loose; I need to tie it better." (It's not tight enough to hold my shoe on.)
    • "The soil was loose and easy to dig in." (The ground wasn't compacted.)
    • "He had a loose grip on the steering wheel." (He wasn't holding it firmly.)

2. Free – Without Restraint

  • Definition: Not confined; not restricted. Often used metaphorically.
  • Example Sentences:
    • "She felt loose and happy after her vacation." (She wasn't burdened or restricted.)
    • "He was a loose cannon on the battlefield - unpredictable and risky." (He didn't follow rules or procedures strictly.)
    • "They gave him loose rein to make decisions." (They allowed him a lot of freedom.)

3. Hair or Clothing – Hanging Down

  • Definition: Falling or dangling freely. This is often used to describe hair or clothing.
  • Example Sentences:
    • "She wore a loose scarf around her neck." (It wasn’t tightly wrapped.)
    • "Her hair was loose and flowing in the wind." (It wasn't pulled back or styled.)
    • “He wore a loose fitting shirt.” (Not tight-fitting.)

4. (Verb) To Loosen

  • Definition: To make something less tight or secure.
  • Example Sentences:
    • "Please loose the rope." (Make it less tight.)
    • "He loosened his tie." (Made it less tight.)
    • “Don’t loose your grip!" (Don’t let go.)

5. (Informal) To Let Go/Quit

  • Definition: (Very informal) To stop doing something, to give up. This usage is more common in American English.
  • Example Sentences:
    • “He loosed on the job.” (He quit his job.) This is considered colloquial and might not be appropriate in formal writing.
    • “She loosed on the team.” (She left the team.)

Key Differences to Remember:

  • Loose vs. Lost: These words are frequently confused.
    • Loose means not tight.
    • Lost means unable to find something or someone.
  • Loose vs. Lose: Similar problems!
    • Loose means not tight.
    • Lose means to fail to win or to misplace something.

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more targeted information, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking about when you want to use "loose"? (e.g., describing clothing, giving a metaphor, etc.)

Synonyms for the word loose

Idioms of the word loose

all hell broke loose
(informal)suddenly there was a lot of noise, arguing, fighting, etc.
  • There was a loud bang and then all hell broke loose.
break/cut (somebody/something) loose from somebody/something
to separate yourself or somebody/something from a group of people or their influence, etc.
  • The organization broke loose from its sponsors.
  • He cut himself loose from his family.
hang/stay loose
(especially North American English, informal)to remain calm; to not worry
  • It's OK—hang loose and stay cool.
have a loose tongue
to talk too much, especially about things that are private
    have a screw loose
    (informal)to be slightly strange in your behaviour
      let loose
      (informal)to do something or to happen in a way that no one controls
      • Teenagers need a place to let loose.
      let loose something
      to make a noise or remark, especially in a loud or sudden way
      • She let loose a stream of abuse.
      let somebody/something loose
      to free somebody/something from whatever holds them/it in place
      • She let her hair loose and it fell around her shoulders.
      • Who's let the dog loose?
      to give somebody complete freedom to do what they want in a place or situation
      • He was at last let loose in the kitchen.
      • A team of professionals were let loose on the project.
      play fast and loose (with somebody/something)
      (old-fashioned)to treat somebody/something in a way that shows that you feel no responsibility or respect for them

        Comment ()