Loose vs Lose

What is the difference?

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Loose (Verb, Adjective)

Definition:

The term loose means not firmly or tightly fixed in place; able to be detached or released.

Usage:

As a verb, loose means not being tight or free from constraints. For example, when a person says, “The shirt is loose on him,” it means that the shirt does not fit tight. In its usage, it can also mean to release, to let go, as in “You should loose the dog,” which means to let the dogs go free.

Examples:

  • The bolt was loose and needed tightening.
  • The loose papers were scattered all over the floor.
  • His shirt was too loose around the collar.

Synonyms:

  • Slack
  • Baggy
  • Unfastened
  • Detached
  • Free

Lose (Verb)

Definition:

“Lose” means to be deprived of or cease to have something, often due to misplacement or failure.

Usage:

Lose is used in relation to the process of losing an object or forgetting where it could be found. For example, “I always lose my keys” would reflect the constant loss of keys rather than the occasional loss of keys. It can also mean failing to win, for instance, in the context of “They are likely to lose the game,” which implies not achieving victory.

Examples:

  • If you don’t keep track of your belongings, you might lose them.
  • I don’t want to lose touch with my old friends.
  • If you lose the race, don’t be discouraged.

Synonyms:

  • Misplace
  • Forfeit
  • Be Deprived of
  • Miss
  • Fail to Win

Key Differences:

While the terms “loose” and “lose” may sound alike and are spelled almost alike, the differences lay in the meanings of the two words.

“Loose’ is used both as an adjective and as a verb, and its meaning implies that something is unconstrained or not restricted. It is linked with a state of having no anchor or of being set free.

Conversely, the word “lose” is a verb that means to leave a place or object behind or fail to hold or obtain something.

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