free
/friː/ (bre, ipa) · [frˈi] /friː/ (ame, ipa) · [frˈi] /ˈfrē/ (ame, mw) · /-friː/ (bre, ipa) · [frˈi] /-friː/ (ame, ipa)
free — 動詞
- freepresent simple I / you / we / they
- frees3rd person singular
- freeing-ing form
- freedpast simple
1. to let a person or animal leave a place where they are being kept against their
釋放
使離開監獄或禁閉處
to let a person or animal leave a place where they are being kept against their will, such as a prison, cage, or locked room
The judge ordered the court to free Gabriela after her legal team presented new evidence.
法官下令法院釋放 Gabriela，因為她的律師團隊提出了新證據。
free + person (legal context)
Aoi was finally freed from the kidnappers' hideout after the police raid last night.
在昨晚的警方突襲之後，Aoi 終於從綁匪的藏身處被釋放了出來。
passive: be freed from + place of confinement
Animal rights volunteers worked to free the bears from cages at the old zoo.
動物保護志工設法把老舊動物園籠子裡的熊全部釋放出來。
The new government freed all political prisoners during the first week of its term.
新政府在任期第一週內釋放了所有的政治犯。
文法句型
free + noun phrase (person/animal being released)
be freed from + place of confinement
用法筆記
Frequent in legal, political, and human-rights contexts. Often found in passive constructions: 'be freed from prison / captivity / custody.' The direct object is always the being who is confined, not the place.
常見錯誤
2. to remove something that is trapped, tangled, or stuck in a tight space, or to h
解開；鬆脫
使不再卡住或纏住
to remove something that is trapped, tangled, or stuck in a tight space, or to help a person or animal get out of such a position
A firefighter used tools to free the driver from the crushed car after the crash.
車禍發生後，一名消防隊員用工具將駕駛人從壓扁的車子裡救了出來。
free + person + from + vehicle
Élise gently freed her long hair from the tangled brush while watching television.
Élise 邊看電視邊輕輕地把長髮從纏住的梳子裡解開。
Ryan dug around the root to free the old fence post from the ground.
Ryan 在樹根周圍挖掘，把舊籬笆樁從土裡鬆脫出來。
A passing sailor helped free the fishing boat stuck on the sandbank near the harbour.
一名路過的水手幫忙把擱淺在港灣附近沙洲上的漁船救了出來。
Reema carefully freed the kitten whose paw was caught in the garden fence.
Reema 小心翼翼地解開那隻爪子卡在花園籬笆上的小貓。
文法句型
free + noun phrase + from + noun phrase (the thing causing the problem)
用法筆記
The direct object can be a person, animal, or inanimate object. Almost always followed by 'from' + the location or thing causing the obstruction. 'Free' in this sense focuses on the act of removing the obstacle rather than simply releasing.
常見錯誤
3. to take away restrictions, duties, or problems from someone or something so that
解除；免除
免除責任、限制或負擔
to take away restrictions, duties, or problems from someone or something so that they can operate or live more easily
The inheritance freed Folake and her brother from all their family debts.
這筆遺產讓 Folake 和她弟弟還清了家裡所有的債務。
free + person + from + financial burden
The new school system freed teachers from many hours of unnecessary paperwork each week.
新的學校制度讓老師們免除了每週許多不必要的文書工作。
Buying a dishwasher freed Mira from hours of kitchen work every single evening.
買了洗碗機之後，Mira 每天晚上不用再花好幾個小時做廚房的家務。
The court freed the company from its contract after the other side broke the agreement.
由於對方先違反了協議，法院解除了該公司與對方的合約。
文法句型
free + noun phrase + from + burden/obligation
free + noun phrase + of + obligation/duty
free + noun phrase + to do something
用法筆記
Subject can be a person, event, system, or object that removes the restriction. Frequently followed by 'from' (for burdens, worries, debts) or 'of' (for duties, obligations). Also commonly followed by 'to' + infinitive indicating the new freedom gained: 'freed them to focus on more important work.'
常見錯誤
4. to make money, time, space, or other resources no longer occupied or committed s
騰出；空出
騰出時間、空間或資金供使用
to make money, time, space, or other resources no longer occupied or committed so that they can be used for a different purpose
Selling that old warehouse freed enough cash for Evelyn to start her own business.
賣掉那間舊倉庫讓 Evelyn 有了足夠的資金來創業。
free + funds + for + purpose
Aylin freed up some time in her afternoon schedule to meet with the new designer.
Aylin 在她的下午行程中騰出了一點時間與新的設計師會面。
phrasal verb: free up + time
The bank agreed to free the investment funds once Matthew submitted all the required documents.
銀行在 Matthew 提交所有必要文件後，同意放行那筆投資資金。
Cutting the morning meeting short freed the conference room for the workshop at two o'clock.
早上的會議提早結束，把會議室空了出來給兩點的研習營使用。
Apinya freed up storage space by moving old files to the cloud server.
Apinya 把舊檔案移到雲端伺服器，騰出了儲存空間。
- make available
more formal and descriptive, often used in official contexts
- clear
for space or a schedule; e.g., 'clear a slot in my calendar'
- release
for funds, documents, or information that was previously held back
文法句型
free up + noun phrase (time/money/space)
free + noun phrase + for + purpose
free up + noun phrase + for + noun phrase
用法筆記
Very commonly used with the particle 'up': 'free up.' The object is typically an abstract or physical resource — time, money, space, staff, funds, capacity. This sense is frequent in business, finance, and everyday planning contexts.
常見錯誤
free — 形容詞
- freepositive
- freeercomparative
- freeestsuperlative
1. able to act, speak, or make decisions without being stopped or controlled by oth
自由
不受限制的；可自主行動的
able to act, speak, or make decisions without being stopped or controlled by others or by rules — for example, living in a country where citizens can choose their leaders and express their opinions openly.
In a free country, people can say what they think without fear.
在自由的國家，人們可以無所畏懼地說出自己的想法。
free + noun for a country with democratic rights
Children feel free to express their ideas in Ms. Chen's classroom.
在陳老師的課堂上，孩子們可以自由表達意見。
Vikram believes that free speech is important for every citizen.
Vikram 相信言論自由對每個公民都很重要。
After the new law passed, the press became much freer than before.
新法律通過後，新聞媒體變得比以前自由多了。
The internet gives people a free flow of information across borders.
網際網路讓人們的資訊可以跨越國界自由流通。
- unrestricted
more formal; used for rules and limits rather than personal freedom
- independent
focuses on self-governance; often used for countries or people not controlled by others
- liberated
stronger emotional tone; suggests being freed from oppression
- restricted
has limits or rules that prevent certain actions
- controlled
managed or directed by someone else
- oppressed
kept down by unfair or cruel use of power
文法句型
free to + infinitive
free from/of + noun
用法筆記
Frequently in attributive position before nouns like 'country', 'speech', 'press', 'election', 'market'. The to-infinitive pattern ('free to do something') is more common in predicative use. Distinguish from sense 4 (NOT IMPRISONED): sense 1 is about liberty and rights in general, not specifically about release from captivity.
常見錯誤
2. relaxed and not following strict rules of behaviour, customs, or formal expectat
隨意；不拘束
輕鬆不拘禮節的
relaxed and not following strict rules of behaviour, customs, or formal expectations — for example, a workplace where people dress casually or a conversation between friends where anything can be said openly.
The company has a free dress code, so people wear jeans and T-shirts.
這家公司有寬鬆的服裝規定，員工可以穿牛仔褲和T恤。
free + noun (dress code / atmosphere / style)
At the party, the conversation was free and everyone felt comfortable.
派對上的談話氣氛很輕鬆，每個人都感覺很自在。
Liang enjoys the free atmosphere at the local coffee shop where he works.
Liang 很喜歡他工作的那家咖啡館的輕鬆氛圍。
The school uses a free teaching style that lets students learn at their own speed.
這所學校採用寬鬆的教學風格，讓學生按照自己的步調學習。
文法句型
free + noun (dress code / atmosphere / style)
用法筆記
Often describes environments, social settings, or institutional cultures. Carries a positive connotation of ease and openness. Less commonly used for people ('He is very free with his opinions' — meaning he speaks openly, sometimes too openly).
3. given or available without requiring payment; not costing any money — for exampl
免費
不需要付費的
given or available without requiring payment; not costing any money — for example, a ticket you did not pay for or a service provided at no cost to the user.
The museum offers free admission to all visitors on the first Sunday of each month.
這家博物館在每個月的第一個星期日免費開放。
free + noun (admission / sample / delivery / concert)
Hugo got a free sample of the new shampoo in the mail yesterday.
Hugo 昨天在郵件中收到一款新洗髮精的免費試用品。
Children under five travel free on city buses throughout the summer.
五歲以下的兒童整個夏天都可以免費搭乘市區公車。
The park hosts free concerts every weekend during the summer months.
公園在夏季的每個週末舉辦免費音樂會。
Anya downloaded a free app that helps her practise Spanish every day.
Anya 下載了一個免費應用程式，每天練習西班牙語。
- complimentary
more formal; often used for things given as a courtesy, like hotel toiletries or drink tickets
- gratis
formal or humorous; less common in everyday speech
- on the house
informal idiom meaning the restaurant or bar provides it without charge
文法句型
free + noun (admission / sample / delivery)
free of charge
用法筆記
Predicative use ('The concert is free') is just as common as attributive ('a free concert'). The phrase 'free of charge' is a formal alternative and often appears in written notices and advertisements. In informal speech, simply saying 'It's free' is standard.
常見錯誤
4. no longer kept in prison, a cage, or under someone's control; able to go where o
獲釋；脫身
不受監禁或控制的
no longer kept in prison, a cage, or under someone's control; able to go where one wants after a period of confinement — for example, a prisoner leaving jail or an animal released from a trap.
After three years in prison, the man was finally set free last Tuesday.
坐牢三年後，那名男子終於在上週二獲釋。
set free — common verb + adjective collocation for release
The rescued birds were released back into the wild, free to fly wherever they wanted.
獲救的鳥兒被放回野外，可以自由地飛到任何想去的地方。
Tariq felt free for the first time after leaving the strict boarding school.
Tariq 離開那所嚴格的寄宿學校後，第一次感受到自由。
The animal rescue group works to set farm animals free from tiny cages.
動物救援組織致力於將農場動物從狹小的籠子裡釋放出來。
- imprisoned
kept in prison
- captive
held as a prisoner, especially by force
- confined
kept in a restricted space
文法句型
set + noun + free
be + free
free from + noun
用法筆記
Nearly always predicative (after a linking verb like 'be', 'feel', or in the phrase 'set free'). Cannot usually go before a noun in this sense — we say 'a free man' (which blends senses 1 and 4) but rarely 'a free prisoner'. The verb 'set free' is the most common pattern for this sense. Distinguish from sense 1 (NO RESTRICTIONS): sense 4 is specifically about being released from physical confinement.
5. not attached, fastened, or fixed in place; able to move around or separate easil
鬆脫；未固定
未固定住的；鬆動的
not attached, fastened, or fixed in place; able to move around or separate easily from what it is normally connected to — for example, a screw that has come loose or one end of a rope that is not tied to anything.
Baraka noticed that the screw on his glasses was loose and free to move.
Baraka 注意到眼鏡上的螺絲鬆了，可以自由移動。
The free end of the rope swung back and forth in the strong wind.
繩子鬆脫的那一端在強風中來回搖擺。
free + noun (end / edge / part) — not fastened
One loose brick in the old wall came out when Quan touched it.
Quan 一碰到舊牆壁上那塊鬆動的磚頭，它就跟著掉下來了。
Make sure the free cables are not lying on the floor where people could trip.
確保那些鬆脫的電線沒有放在地上，以免有人被絆倒。
- loose
more common in everyday speech; describes something that is not firmly fixed
- detached
suggests something has been separated from what it was attached to
- unfastened
specifically about something that was tied or buttoned
文法句型
free + noun (end / edge / part)
be + free + from/of
用法筆記
Often used for physical objects that have come loose from a fixed position. The word 'loose' is more common than 'free' for this sense in everyday conversation. 'Free' tends to appear in specific technical or descriptive contexts (the free end of a rope, free particles).
6. not busy with any planned work, duties, or arrangements; available to do somethi
有空；空閒
沒有其他安排的；可使用的
not busy with any planned work, duties, or arrangements; available to do something else — for example, an evening with no meetings, or a seat that nobody is sitting in.
Dahlia is free this afternoon, so she can help you with your maths homework.
Dahlia 今天下午有空，可以幫你複習數學。
Do you have a free seat on the train, or is every place taken?
火車上還有空位嗎？還是每個位子都有人坐了？
free + noun (seat / table / room / hour) — not occupied
Ramón looked at his calendar and found a free hour between meetings.
Ramón 看了看行事曆，發現會議之間有一個小時的空檔。
The library has a free computer that students can use without booking.
圖書館裡有一台空的電腦，學生不用預約就可以使用。
Hugo asked if the conference room was free for a two-hour workshop.
Hugo 問會議室是否空著，可以用來辦一個兩小時的工作坊。
- available
more formal; can describe people ('The doctor is available') or things ('a available seat')
- unoccupied
formal; describes seats, rooms, or buildings that nobody is using
- idle
negative connotation of not being usefully occupied; describes machines or workers, not usually a positive choice
文法句型
be + free (time/seat/room)
free + noun (time/hour/seat/table/room)
用法筆記
Predicative use ('I am free this evening') is more common than attributive. When used before a noun, typically with time-related words ('free time', 'free hour', 'free moment') or space words ('free seat', 'free table'). For a person, 'free' means not busy; for an object or space, 'free' means not being used or occupied. Distinguish from sense 3 (FREE OF CHARGE): a 'free seat' could mean either a free (unoccupied) seat or a free (costing nothing) seat — context resolves the ambiguity.
常見錯誤
7. having none of a particular unwanted thing or condition, such as pain, debt, or
免於；無
不受有害或不愉快事物影響
having none of a particular unwanted thing or condition, such as pain, debt, or worry
The doctor said the patient would soon be free from pain.
醫生說病人不久就能免於疼痛。
free from + abstract noun (e.g. pain, fear, worry)
After years of saving, the Wang family is finally free of debt.
經過多年的存錢，王家終於沒有負債了。
free of + concrete state (e.g. debt, errors, charge)
The report was free of any major errors or mistakes.
這份報告沒有任何重大錯誤。
Élise wants her children to grow up in a home free from violence.
Élise 希望她的孩子能在沒有暴力的環境中長大。
- without
less formal; used in everyday speech
- devoid of
more formal and emphatic
- exempt from
specifically about being free of an obligation or rule
- burdened by
emphasises the unpleasant weight of something
文法句型
free from/of + noun phrase
用法筆記
Use free from for more abstract or ongoing conditions (free from fear, free from worry), and free of for more concrete or measurable absences (free of charge, free of errors, free of debt). The two are sometimes interchangeable in informal use.
常見錯誤
8. inclined to give or use something generously, often in large amounts or more tha
慷慨；不吝
經常或大量給予，有時過多
inclined to give or use something generously, often in large amounts or more than others consider appropriate
Nora is always free with her advice, whether you ask for it or not.
Nora 總是毫不吝嗇地給建議，不管你有沒有問她。
free with + advice/opinion (giving opinions freely)
The theatre critic was rather free with his negative comments about the play.
那位劇評人毫不客氣地批評這齣戲。
Tariro is free with her praise whenever a colleague does good work.
同事工作表現好時，Tariro 從不吝於讚美。
Some reviewers are too free with their criticism and forget to mention what worked well.
有些評論者批評起來毫不留情，卻忘了提哪些部分表現不錯。
- generous
always positive; free can be mildly critical
- lavish
stronger, implies spending or using a great amount
- unstinting
formal; giving without holding back
文法句型
free with + noun phrase
用法筆記
Often carries a mildly negative tone, suggesting the person gives or uses something more than is considered appropriate. Compare generous, which is always positive.
常見錯誤
9. taking or making use of another person's things too much and without their permi
隨便；擅自
未經許可隨意使用他人財物
taking or making use of another person's things too much and without their permission
The new receptionist was rather free with the office supplies, taking pens home.
那位新來的櫃檯人員對辦公室文具很隨便，把筆帶回家用。
free with + someone else's possessions (negative connotation)
Cyrus was too free with his roommate's clothes and never asked before borrowing them.
Cyrus 對室友的衣服太隨便了，沒問就借來穿。
Some guests were free with the host's best wine, finishing the most expensive bottles first.
有些客人對主人的好酒毫不客氣，先把最貴的幾瓶喝光了。
Lakan warned his cousin not to be free with the family car without asking.
Lakan 警告他的表弟不要沒問就拿家裡的車來開。
- taking liberties with
the phrasal equivalent, stronger and more critical
- presumptuous with
focuses on the attitude of overstepping boundaries
- respectful of
respectful of others' belongings
- careful with
careful with others' things
文法句型
free with + noun phrase (someone else's possessions)
用法筆記
Strongly negative. The subject is always a person, and the object after with is something belonging to another person or organisation. Do not confuse with sense 8 (generous), where the subject gives their OWN things freely.
常見錯誤
10. existing as a separate chemical element or molecule rather than being bonded to
游離；未結合
化學上未與其他物質結合
existing as a separate chemical element or molecule rather than being bonded to another substance
Free oxygen in the early atmosphere made it possible for animals to develop.
早期大氣中的游離氧使得動物能夠演化。
free + chemical element: free oxygen / free nitrogen / free radicals
The experiment measured the number of free electrons moving through the metal wire.
該實驗測量了通過金屬絲的游離電子數量。
Free radicals can damage healthy cells in the human body over time.
游離自由基會隨著時間損害人體內的健康細胞。
In its free state, the element reacts quickly when it meets water or air.
該元素在游離狀態下接觸水或空氣時會迅速反應。
- uncombined
the precise technical synonym
- unbonded
less common but used in chemistry
文法句型
free + noun (element/gas/radical)
用法筆記
Used mainly in chemistry and biochemistry contexts. The opposite is combined or bonded. Common terms include free oxygen, free nitrogen, free electrons, and free radicals.
常見錯誤
11. giving the general meaning or main ideas rather than following every word exactl
意譯；非字面
傳達大意而非逐字對應的
giving the general meaning or main ideas rather than following every word exactly (used of translations, interpretations, or adaptations)
The student produced a free translation of the ancient poem, keeping only the main ideas.
那位學生對這首古詩做了意譯，只保留了主要意思。
free translation = conveying general sense, not word-for-word
A free rendering of the old letter makes it easier for beginners to understand.
把那封舊信用意譯的方式處理，讓初學者更容易理解。
The original speech was very long, so the interpreter gave a free version of it.
原本的演講很長，所以口譯員給了一個大意版本。
Rachel chose a free adaptation of the novel rather than a page-by-page translation.
Rachel 選擇了小說的意譯版本，而不是逐頁翻譯。
This is not a word-for-word copy but a free interpretation of the author's ideas.
這不是逐字翻譯，而是對作者想法的自由詮釋。
- loose
less formal; suggests less accuracy
- non-literal
precise but more technical
- paraphrased
focuses on rewording rather than overall liberty
- literal
following the original words exactly
- word-for-word
more emphatic than literal
- faithful
staying close to the original
文法句型
free + noun (translation/rendering/adaptation)
用法筆記
Typically modifies translation, rendering, adaptation, interpretation, or version. The opposite is literal, faithful, or word-for-word. Free translation is a standard term in translation studies.
常見錯誤
free — 副詞
1. in a way that is not held back, limited, or controlled; used after verbs describ
自由地
不受限制或約束地
in a way that is not held back, limited, or controlled; used after verbs describing movement, escape, or release to indicate complete freedom of action.
Sirin let her dog run free across the wide-open meadow.
Sirin 讓她的狗在廣闊的草地上自由奔跑。
collocation: run free — move with no physical restraint
After years in a small cage, the birds were finally set free.
在一個小籠子裡關了多年後，這些鳥終於被放飛了。
pattern: set [noun] free — release from captivity
Naoko's hair flew free in the wind as she cycled down the hill.
Naoko 的長髮在風中自由飄揚，她騎著腳踏車順坡而下。
The horse broke free from the fence and galloped across the field.
那匹馬掙脫圍欄，奔騰著穿過田野。
Darius cut the rope and the boat floated free into the river.
Darius 割斷繩子，小船自由地漂進河裡。
- tightly
in a way that is held or secured; opposite of bodily freedom of movement
- in captivity
opposite of being set free from confinement
文法句型
run free
break free
set [noun] free
用法筆記
Always follows the verb it modifies. Compare with 'freely', which means 'willingly' or 'in large amounts' and cannot replace this sense in fixed collocations such as 'run free' or 'set free'.
常見錯誤
2. without having to pay; at no cost; used after verbs to show that an action or se
免費地
無須付費地
without having to pay; at no cost; used after verbs to show that an action or service requires no payment.
Naoko flew to Tokyo free because her brother works for the airline.
Naoko 免費飛到東京，因為她哥哥在航空公司工作。
pattern: verb + free — at no charge
On weekends, children under ten can enter the zoo free with a parent.
週末時，十歲以下兒童在家長陪同下可免費進入動物園。
collocation: enter [place] free
Diya got into the concert free after helping staff set up the stage.
Diya 幫忙佈置舞台後，免費進場聽了演唱會。
Students ride city buses free when they show their school ID card.
學生出示學生證即可免費搭乘市區公車。
Lan downloaded the photo editing software free from a student website.
Lan 從一個學生網站免費下載了那套照片編輯軟體。
- gratis
formal synonym; less common in everyday speech
- complimentary
used as adjective only (complimentary ticket); not an adverb
文法句型
get in free
enter [place] free
travel free
download free
用法筆記
Follows the verb directly. Do not confuse with the adjective 'free' (a free ticket) or with 'freely' (which does not carry the meaning of 'without payment'). The phrase 'for free' and 'free of charge' are common alternatives, with 'for free' being more informal.
常見錯誤
3. with the wind blowing from behind and slightly to the side of the boat, so that
順風
風從船後方吹來的行船狀態
with the wind blowing from behind and slightly to the side of the boat, so that the sails fill easily and the vessel moves efficiently; used after sailing verbs.
The captain steered the ship free to catch the afternoon breeze.
船長順風航行，以捕捉午後的微風。
nautical term: verb + free — wind from behind the vessel
With the wind free, the small boat moved smoothly across the bay.
在順風的條件下，小船平穩地駛過海灣。
The sailor adjusted the sails once the wind came free on the port side.
水手在風從左舷吹來後調整了船帆。
Nellie learned to sail free during her first week at the sailing school.
Nellie 在帆船學校的第一週學會了順風航行。
- close-hauled
sailing with the wind from ahead; the opposite wind condition
文法句型
sail free
come free
用法筆記
Restricted to nautical contexts describing wind direction and sail trim. The opposite term is 'close-hauled' (sailing into the wind). Most learners will not encounter this sense outside of specialised sailing instruction.
free — 字尾
1. added after a noun to form an adjective (or sometimes an adverb) describing some
免…的
不需支付某項費用的
added after a noun to form an adjective (or sometimes an adverb) describing something that does not require any money for that particular service, product, or charge.
Chidi bought whiskey at the duty-free shop before boarding his flight.
Chidi 在登機前到免稅商店買了威士忌。
duty-free shop — common compound
Students can live rent-free in the dormitories during their first year.
學生第一年可以免費住在宿舍裡。
live rent-free — noun+-free → adverb
Call the toll-free number to speak with a customer service agent.
請撥打免付費電話與客服人員聯絡。
Élise received tax-free childcare vouchers from her employer.
Élise 從雇主那裡收到了免稅的托兒補助券。
文法句型
[noun]-free
用法筆記
Occasionally used as an adverb after a verb (live rent-free, travel fare-free).
常見錯誤
2. added after a noun to form an adjective meaning that something does not contain
無…的
不含或沒有某物的
added after a noun to form an adjective meaning that something does not contain a particular substance or is not affected by a particular problem.
Lucía drinks sugar-free soda to manage her blood sugar levels.
Lucía 喝無糖汽水來控制血糖。
sugar-free — describing what a product lacks
The hospital became a smoke-free zone three years ago.
這家醫院三年前就成為禁菸區。
smoke-free zone — common collocation
Quan follows a gluten-free diet because of his wheat allergy.
Quan 因為對小麥過敏，所以吃無麩質飲食。
Shirin described her recovery from surgery as completely pain-free.
Shirin 說她手術後完全沒有感到疼痛。
Hui installed a software update that made the computer run trouble-free.
Hui 安裝了軟體更新後，電腦運作起來就沒出過問題。
文法句型
[noun]-free
用法筆記
This sense overlaps with the adjective sense 7 ('without something unwanted'). The difference is structural: the suffix form creates a single compound that can be used attributively before a noun (a smoke-free zone), whereas the adjective form takes a separate complement (a zone free of smoke).