loosened

/ˈluː.sən/ (bre, ipa) · [lˈusənd] /ˈluː.sən/ (ame, ipa) · [lˈusənd] /ˈlü-sᵊn/ (ame, mw)

loosened — verb

  • loosenedpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • looseneds3rd person singular
  • looseneding-ing form
  • loosenededpast simple

1. Something that had been firmly fixed in place became less tight, so that it coul

1.動詞及物 / 不及物B1
釋義

Something that had been firmly fixed in place became less tight, so that it could be moved or taken out more easily. This could happen because someone deliberately made it looser, or because of wear, weather, or other natural causes over time.

例句

Bao loosened the strap on his backpack before putting it on.

transitive: loosen + physical object (strap)

Elena loosened the jar lid under hot water until it turned easily.

同義詞
  • slackened

    more formal; often used for ropes, wires, or tension

  • released

    implies setting free or letting go completely, not just making looser

  • relaxed

    used for muscles, grip, or figurative tightness; less common for physical objects like screws

反義詞
  • tightened

    the direct opposite — made something tighter or more firmly fixed

  • fastened

    made something secure or closed, opposite of loosening

文法句型

loosen + physical object

subject + loosened (no object)

用法筆記

Frequently used both transitively (someone loosens an object) and intransitively (an object loosens on its own). The intransitive use often describes change caused by time, use, or weather — for example, a screw loosening after years of vibration.

常見錯誤

❌He lost the screw on his backpack.
✅He loosened the screw on his backpack.
💡'lost' means you cannot find it anymore; 'loosened' means you made it less tight.

2. You made an item of clothing, a belt, or your hair less tight by undoing it part

2.動詞及物B1
釋義

You made an item of clothing, a belt, or your hair less tight by undoing it partly or releasing it, usually to feel more comfortable or to let it hang freely.

例句

After the work presentation, Tariq loosened his tie and took a deep breath.

loosen + clothing item (tie) for comfort

Yumi loosened her hair from the tight ponytail at the end of the school day.

loosen + hair from a hairstyle

同義詞
  • undid

    implies unfastening completely rather than just making less tight

  • let down

    specifically for hair; means releasing it to hang freely

  • unbuttoned

    more specific — only for buttons, not ties or hair

反義詞
  • tightened

    made tighter — e.g., tightened a belt or pulled hair into a tighter ponytail

  • fastened

    closed or secured an item of clothing

文法句型

loosen + item of clothing (tie / belt / collar / shoelaces)

loosen + hair / ponytail / bun

用法筆記

Always transitive — you must specify what was loosened (e.g., a tie, belt, collar, hair). Common in contexts of comfort after a formal or restrictive situation. To loosen hair means to release it from a tied style, not to cut it or wash it.

常見錯誤

❌She loosened her shoelaces and removed them from her shoes.
✅She loosened her shoelaces and then took off her shoes.
💡'loosen' means make less tight, not remove completely.