loosening

/ˈluː.sən/ (bre, ipa) · [lˈusənɪŋ] /ˈluː.sən/ (ame, ipa)

loosening — verb

  • looseningpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • loosenings3rd person singular
  • looseninging-ing form
  • looseningedpast simple

1. to make something less tight, fixed, or strict, or to become less tight, fixed,

1.動詞及物 / 不及物B1
釋義

to make something less tight, fixed, or strict, or to become less tight, fixed, or strict

例句

Walid kept loosening the jar lid until the seal finally gave way.

loosen + lid/knot/bolt

The knot in the wet rope was loosening after an hour in the rain.

intransitive: knot/rope + loosens

同義詞
  • ease

    often suggests reducing pressure or difficulty rather than fully releasing something

  • relax

    works especially well for rules or controls becoming less strict

  • slacken

    more specific to ropes, straps, and other things under tension

反義詞
  • tighten

    the direct opposite for making something more firm or strict

  • secure

    focuses on fixing something firmly in place so it will not move

文法句型

loosen + object (lid/knot/strap/bolt/rule)

object (knot/bolt/grip) + loosens

用法筆記

Common objects include lids, knots, bolts, straps, and rules. This sense works both transitively and intransitively. Distinguish from sense 2, which is mainly about hair, clothing, or something worn on the body.

常見錯誤

❌The rule loosened me after the exam.
✅The school loosened the rule after the exam.
💡The object is the rule or restriction itself, not the person affected.
❌The knot loosened out in the rain.
✅The knot loosened in the rain.
💡'loosen' already expresses becoming less tight, so 'out' is unnecessary here.

2. to make hair, clothing, or something worn on the body sit less tightly so it fee

2.動詞及物B1
釋義

to make hair, clothing, or something worn on the body sit less tightly so it feels more comfortable or hangs more freely

例句

Dewi stood by the mirror, loosening the ponytail after basketball practice.

loosen + hair after activity

Christopher is loosening his tie before the wedding photos begin.

loosen + tie/collar

同義詞
  • unfasten

    best for clips, buckles, or other fasteners that you open completely

  • undo

    often means opening or untying something fully rather than only making it less tight

  • let out

    commonly used when clothing is made roomier by changing its fit

反義詞
  • tighten

    means making the tie, belt, or strap fit more firmly

  • fasten

    focuses on securing clothing or a strap in place

文法句型

loosen + tie/belt/collar/strap/bandage

loosen + hair

用法筆記

Object is usually hair, clothing, or a strap, belt, or band touching the body. This sense is normally transitive and often suggests comfort rather than release. Distinguish from sense 1, which also covers lids, knots, bolts, and rules.

常見錯誤

❌I loosened up my tie before dinner.
✅I loosened my tie before dinner.
💡For clothing on the body, plain 'loosen' is the more natural pattern.
❌She loosened her hair more loose.
✅She loosened her hair so it hung more loosely.
💡After 'loosen', use an adverb or a result clause, not 'more loose'.