[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/loosen/)

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# loosen

verb (loosen, loosens, loosened, loosening)

«loosen» in the English dictionary: everyday — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. To make something less tight, firm or fixed: «loosen your belt», «loosen a screw». [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/L/loosen/#m1)
2. To become less tight. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/L/loosen/#m2)
3. To make rules or control less strict. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/L/loosen/#m3)

### In the lessons

In everyday life: loosen shoelaces, a jar lid or a tie. In first aid, loosen tight clothing around the neck of someone who feels faint. In science and DIY, you loosen screws by turning them anticlockwise. Phrases: «loosen up» (relax), «loosen your grip», «loosen a knot».

### Examples

- Loosen your shoelaces before you take off your shoes. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/L/loosen/#x1)
- Dad loosened the lid of the jar. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/L/loosen/#x2)
- Turn the screw anticlockwise to loosen it. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/L/loosen/#x3)
- My tooth has loosened; it might fall out soon. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/L/loosen/#x4)
- Loosen tight clothing if someone feels faint. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/L/loosen/#x5)
- Shake your arms to loosen up before the race. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/L/loosen/#x6)
- Lots were drawn, and one fell upon our Prince, whose chains were immediately loosened. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/L/loosen/#x7)

### Note

Past: loosened. Opposite: tighten. Do not confuse «loose» (not tight, rhymes with «goose») with «lose» (not have any more). «Loosen up» means relax.

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «loosen» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/L/loosen/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«loosen» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/loosen.html) on Mova free.