FREE


Meaning of FREE in English

■ adjective ( ~r , ~st )

1》 not under the control or in the power of another.

↘subject neither to foreign domination nor despotic government: a ~ press.

↘permitted to take a specified action.

2》 not or no longer confined, obstructed, or fixed: the researchers set the birds ~.

↘ Physics (of power or energy) disengaged or available.

↘ Physics & Chemistry not bound in an atom, molecule, or compound: ~ oxygen.

3》 not subject to engagements or obligations.

↘not occupied or in use.

4》 ( ~ of/from ) not subject to or affected by: an area ~ from weeds.

5》 available without charge.

6》 generous or lavish: she was always ~ with her money.

↘frank or unrestrained.

7》 not observing the normal conventions; improvised: ~ jazz.

↘(of a translation) conveying only the broad sense; not literal.

8》 Sailing (of the wind) blowing from a favourable direction to the side or aft of a vessel.

■ adverb

1》 without cost or payment.

2》 Sailing with the sheets eased.

■ verb ( ~s , ~ing , ~d )

1》 make ~; release.

2》 relieve of something undesirable or restrictive.

3》 make available.

Phrases

~ and easy informal and relaxed.

a ~ hand ~dom to act completely at one's own discretion.

~ on board (or rail ) including delivery without charge to a ship (or railway wagon).

a ~ ride a situation in which someone benefits without having to make a fair contribution.

the ~ world the non-communist countries of the world, as formerly opposed to the Soviet bloc.

make ~ with treat without proper respect.

Derivatives

~ness noun

Origin

OE frēo (adjective), frēon (v.), of Gmc origin; related to friend .

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