loosen
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈluːsən/
KK: /ˈlusən/
intransitive verb
Definition
To become less tight or more relaxed.
Example
The knot began to loosen after I pulled on the rope.
Tense Forms
Past: loosened
Past Participle: loosened
Conversation
Hey, did you notice how my shoes started to loosen after wearing them for a while?
Yeah, I saw that! They looked a bit too big on you.
I guess I need to find some that fit better and won’t loosen up so quickly.
Definitely! It’s important to have comfortable shoes.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
relax
unfasten
untie
Antonyms
tighten
fasten
secure
transitive verb
Definition
To make something less tight or to remove restrictions or pressure from it.
Example
She decided to loosen the straps on her backpack for more comfort.
Tense Forms
Past: loosened
Past Participle: loosened
Conversation
I think I need to loosen my belt after that big meal.
Yeah, I feel the same way!
Maybe we should take a walk to help loosen up a bit.
Root Explanation
Loosen → It is formed from "loose" (from Old English *losian*, meaning to become free or unbound) and "-en" (a suffix used to form verbs). The word "loosen" means to make something free or unbound.
Memory Tip
Think of making something 'free' or 'unbound' — 'loose' means not tight, and adding '-en' turns it into the action of making it loose.
Visually Confused Words
unloosen
looten
lobose
closen
aloose
lose
loon