Table of Contents
Introduction
The words “lose and loose” are commonly confused, despite their distinct meanings. “Lose” refers to failing to maintain or failing to win, while “loose” means not tight.
This post delves into the difference between these two terms.
Confused Words: Lose and Loose
The terms lose and loose have different meanings and different parts of speech.
Lose
The word lose is a verb. It has two related meanings:
- To be unsuccessful in retaining possession of.
- To fail in maintaining or winning.
The verb lose has the same form in the past simple and the past participle: lost.
It is the opposite of “lose”‘ is win or gain.
Synonyms of the verb “lose”:
- mislay, misplace, be unable to find, drop, forget
- be defeated, be deprived of, suffer the loss of, no longer have, stop having
Etymology:
The verb “lose” originated from Middle English “losen,” which came from Old English “losian,” meaning “to perish, be lost.” This Old English word is akin to Old Norse “los,” meaning “the breaking up of an army, a loss
Example:
- I lost my keys yesterday.
- Our team lost the match.
Idioms with Lose
Here are some idioms with the word “lose”:
- Lose one’s mind: To become mentally unstable or insane.
- After the accident, he lost his mind and couldn’t recognize his own family.
- Lose one’s cool: To become angry or lose one’s composure.
- She lost her cool when her computer crashed for the third time that day.
- Lose face: To suffer a loss of respect or prestige, often due to embarrassment.
- He didn’t want to apologize because he was afraid he would lose face in front of his colleagues.
- Lose track of time: To become unaware of how much time has passed.
- We were having so much fun that we lost track of time and missed our train.
- Lose one’s touch: To lose one’s skill or ability in doing something.
- After not playing the piano for years, she feared she had lost her touch.
- Lose sleep over something: To worry or be anxious about something.
- I’m not going to lose sleep over whether they like my presentation or not.
Loose
The word loose can be used both as an adjective and as a verb.
1. As an adjective, loose means not tight, free from constraints, not tight, or not firmly fixed in place
Synonyms: Unfastened, slack, free, unsecured, relaxed, not fixed in place, not secure, insecure, unattached, detached, unsteady, movable, baggy, loose-fitting, easy-fittin, slack
Examples:
- She was wearing a loose T-shirt and shorts.
- The dog was loose on the street.
- Her large shoes were very loose.
- I have to go to the dentist; I have a loose tooth.
- She wore a loose-fitting dress to the party.
- The dog’s leash was loose, allowing him to roam freely.
- Loose hair strands blew in the wind as she walked.
- The screws were loose, causing the shelf to wobble.
2. As a verb, loose means set free; release.
Synonyms: Free, set free, unloose, turn loose, set loose, let loose, let go, release, liberate, untie, unchain, unfetter, unfasten
Example:
- The hounds have been loosed.
- The hunters decided to loose the hounds to track the scent of the deer.
- The prisoner managed to loose the handcuffs and escape.
- The horse suddenly loosed its reins and bolted across the field.
- He loosed an arrow and hit the target dead center.
- The fisherman loosed the line, allowing the bait to sink into the water.
- She loosed a loud laugh when she heard the joke.
- The children loosed a volley of snowballs at each other during the snowball fight.
Etymology:
The word “loose” originally meant “not securely fixed” in the early 13th century. It evolved to mean “unbound” or “not confined” by the 14th century, coming from Old Norse and Old English roots. Over time, it gained meanings like “not clinging” or “slack,” and later “unchaste” or “immoral.” It also took on the sense of “at liberty” or “free from obligation.” As an adverb, “loosely” has been used since the late 16th century. The expression “on the loose” appeared in the mid-18th century, while “hang loose” originated in 1968.
Idioms with Loose
Here are some idioms with the word “loose”:
- Cut loose: To behave in a relaxed and uninhibited way.
- After exams were over, the students cut loose and went out to celebrate.
- Let loose: To release or set free, often with force.
- The police let loose the dogs to chase the suspect.
- Turn loose: To allow something or someone to move freely or without restraint.
- The children were turned loose in the playground to play.
- Loose cannon: Someone who is unpredictable or uncontrollable, often causing harm or trouble.
- He’s a loose cannon in the office, always saying inappropriate things.
- Play fast and loose: To behave in a careless or reckless manner, especially with regard to rules or commitments.
- He’s been playing fast and loose with the company’s finances.
- Hang loose: To relax and take it easy; to remain calm and patient.
- Just hang loose until I get there; I won’t be long.
Conclusion
The words “lose” and “loose” have different meanings. While “lose” refers to being unsuccessful in retaining possession of something or failing to win, “loose” means not tight or not firmly fixed in place.
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