loosen
word
/ˈɫusən/
LOO-suhn
/lˈuːsən/
LOO-suhn
Definition
To make something less tight or more relaxed; to release or reduce tension.
Usage & Nuances
'Loosen' can be physical (loosen a screw, loosen your tie) or abstract (loosen restrictions). Common collocations: 'loosen up' (relax), 'loosen the rules.' Not to confuse with 'loose' (adjective: not tight). Often used in instructions or advice.
Spanish: aflojar - soltarPortuguese (BR): afrouxar - soltarPortuguese (PT): afrouxar - soltarChinese (Simplified): 放松 - 松开 - 使变松Chinese (Traditional): 放鬆 - 鬆開 - 使變鬆Hindi: ढीला करना - खोलनाArabic: يُرخي - يُخفف - يُفكBengali: ঢিলা করা - আলগা করাRussian: ослабить - отпуститьJapanese: 緩めるVietnamese: nới lỏng - làm giảmKorean: 느슨하게 하다Turkish: gevşetmekUrdu: ڈھیلا کرناIndonesian: melonggarkan - mengendurkan
Example Sentences
Can you loosen the lid? It's too tight.
basic
Please loosen your grip on the rope.
basic
He tried to loosen the screw with a knife.
basic
Just try to loosen up and have some fun tonight.
natural
If you loosen your shoelaces, your feet will feel more comfortable.
natural
They decided to loosen the rules for the summer event.
natural