loose
UK: luːs | US: luːs
adj. not firmly or tightly fixed in place; detached or able to be detached
adj. (of clothing) not fitting tightly or closely
adj. lacking strictness or precision; inexact
vt. to release or set free from constraint
loose = loos<free, untied> + e (silent)
- loos (from Old English lōs, meaning "free, untied")
- e (silent letter, a common feature in English spelling)
Etymology Origin:
The word "loose" (archaic spelling of "loose") traces back to Old English lōs, derived from Proto-Germanic lausaz, meaning "loose, free." It shares roots with Dutch los and German los. The silent "e" was added in Middle English to mark vowel length or due to French influence. The core idea of "freedom from constraint" has persisted through its evolution.
The screw became loose after years of use.
She prefers loose clothing for comfort.
His interpretation of the rules was rather loose.
The hunter decided to loose the arrow.
The dog broke loose from its leash.