Differences between Loose and Lose
Contents
Comparison Article[edit]
In English, the words loose and lose are frequently confused due to their similar spelling.[1] However, they have distinct meanings and pronunciations.[2] Loose is primarily an adjective describing something that is not tight or contained, while lose is a verb meaning to be deprived of something or to not win.[3]
Definitions and usage[edit]
Loose[edit]
As an adjective, loose means not firmly or tightly fixed in place.[2] Examples include "a loose tooth" or "loose clothing".[4][5] It can also mean free from confinement or restraint, such as an animal that has broken loose. The word originates from the Old Norse word lauss, meaning free or unencumbered.
While less common, loose can also be used as a verb. In this form, it means to set free or release, as in "they loosed the hounds".[4]
Lose[edit]
Lose is a verb with several meanings related to deprivation or failure. It can mean to be unable to find something, to misplace an item, or to have something taken away. For example, a person can "lose their keys" or "lose their hair". It also means to fail to win a game or contest. The past tense of lose is lost. The word derives from the Old English losian, which meant to perish or be destroyed.
Pronunciation[edit]
The primary distinction in the pronunciation of loose and lose is the final consonant sound.
- Loose is pronounced with a voiceless /s/ sound at the end, as in "goose" or "moose". The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription is /luːs/.
- Lose is pronounced with a voiced /z/ sound at the end, as in "choose" or "news". The IPA transcription is /luːz/.
Both words are spoken with a long "oo" vowel sound.
Comparison table[edit]
[1]| Example (Adjective) || The shoelaces are loose. || N/A| Category | Loose | Lose |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Part of Speech | [3]| Verb | |
| Primary Meaning | Not tight or securely fastened | To misplace something or fail to win |
| Pronunciation | Rhymes with "goose" (/luːs/) | Rhymes with "shoes" (/luːz/) |
| Example (Verb) | The archer will loose an arrow. | Do not lose your ticket. |
| Past Tense | loosed | lost |
| Etymology | From Old Norse lauss (free, unencumbered) | From Old English losian (to perish, be destroyed) |
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "quora.com". Retrieved January 18, 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "scribbr.com". Retrieved January 18, 2026.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "grammarly.com". Retrieved January 18, 2026.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "collinsdictionary.com". Retrieved January 18, 2026.
- ↑ "grokipedia.com". Retrieved January 18, 2026.
