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Translation

Also found in: English - Vietnamese

loosen

/'lu:sn/
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Explanation of "Loosen"

Definition: The verb "loosen" means to make something less tight or more relaxed. It can refer to physical objects, such as ropes or shoelaces, or to rules and restrictions.

Usage Instructions
  • When to use: You can use "loosen" when you want to describe the action of making something tighter become less tight, or when making rules or restrictions less strict.
  • Form: The base form is "loosen." The past tense is "loosened," and the present participle is "loosening."
Examples
  1. Physical context:

    • "I need to loosen my shoelaces before I can run comfortably."
    • "She loosened the rope so the boat could move freely."
  2. Rules and restrictions:

    • "The teacher decided to loosen the rules for the school project."
    • "After the meeting, the government loosened the curfew restrictions."
Advanced Usage

In more advanced contexts, "loosen" can also refer to making conditions or situations less severe or intense. For example: - "The manager decided to loosen the performance expectations for the team during the busy season."

Word Variants
  • Loosened (past tense): "He loosened his tie after the meeting."
  • Loosening (present participle): "They are loosening the guidelines for the competition this year."
Different Meanings
  1. Physical: Making something physically looser (like a knot or a piece of clothing).
  2. Metaphorical: Making rules or expectations less strict or severe.
Synonyms
  • Relax
  • Unfasten
  • Untie
  • Release
  • Free
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs
  • Loosen up: This phrase means to relax or to become less tense, either physically or emotionally.

    • Example: "You should loosen up a bit; there’s no need to be so serious all the time."
  • Loosen the reins: This idiom means to give someone more freedom or control.

    • Example: "The new coach decided to loosen the reins on the players, allowing them to play more freely."
Conclusion

In summary, "loosen" is a versatile verb used to describe the action of making something less tight or strict.

Verb
  1. become loose or looser or less tight
    • The noose loosened
    • the rope relaxed
  2. make less dense
    • loosen the soil
  3. cause to become loose
    • undo the shoelace
    • untie the knot
    • loosen the necktie
  4. disentangle and raise the fibers of
    • tease wool
  5. become less severe or strict
    • The rules relaxed after the new director arrived
  6. make less severe or strict
    • The government relaxed the curfew after most of the rebels were caught
  7. make loose or looser
    • loosen the tension on a rope

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