unloosen
/'ʌn'lu:s/ Cách viết khác : (unloosen) /ʌn'lu:sn/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb:
- To release from constraint; to set free or let go: The primary meaning refers to the act of freeing something or someone from being tied, fastened, or confined.
- To loosen or relax something that is tight or bound: This sense involves making something less tight, such as untying a knot or relaxing a grip.
Usage and Examples
To release or set free:
- The warden decided to unloosen the prisoner from his shackles.
- She unloosened the bird from the cage, allowing it to fly away.
To loosen or untie:
- Please unloosen the rope so we can adjust the sail.
- He carefully unloosened the knot in the old, frayed string.
Advanced Usage and Notes
- Formality and Rarity: "Unloosen" is considered a rare and somewhat formal or literary verb in modern English. In everyday speech, "loosen" or "untie" are more commonly used for the action of making something less tight, and "release" or "free" are more common for setting something free.
- Redundancy: Linguistically, the prefix "un-" and the verb "loosen" both imply a similar action of releasing. Therefore, "unloosen" is sometimes noted as a redundant form, though it is a valid, established word.
Variants and Related Words
- Unloose (verb): A direct synonym, meaning to release or set free. It is equally rare.
- He sought to unloose the bonds of tradition.
- Loosen (verb): The more common and standard term meaning to make less tight or strict.
- Loosen the lid before trying to twist it off.
- Untie (verb): To undo a knot or fastening.
- Untie your shoes before you take them off.
Synonyms
- Release: To set free from confinement or restraint.
- Free: To allow to move or act without constraint.
- Undo: To unfasten or untie.
- Unfasten: To open or release a fastening.
Antonyms
- Tighten: To make something more fixed or firm.
- Fasten: To close or attach securely.
- Bind: To tie or secure tightly.
- Restrain: To hold back or keep under control.
Phrasal Verbs and Idioms
(Note: "Unloosen" itself is not typically used in phrasal verb constructions due to its rarity. Common phrasal verbs are formed with its synonym "loosen.") - Loosen up: - To become more relaxed or less tense. - You need to loosen up and enjoy the party. - To make something less tight. - Loosen up the bolts before removing them completely.
Verb
- loosen the ties of
- unloose your sneakers
- grant freedom to; free from confinement