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Freebie Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŽ
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freebie

[หˆfriหbi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

online promotions

Something given for free, typically as a promotional gift or incentive.

Synonyms

complimentary item, free sample, giveaway.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
freebie

Used in informal settings to refer to items given away for free, often as promotional gifts.

  • I got this freebie at the concert last night.
  • They handed out a bunch of cool freebies at the trade show.
giveaway

Used in both informal and formal settings to refer to items given away, often as part of a promotional event or competition.

  • Enter the giveaway for a chance to win a new laptop.
  • The company is doing a big giveaway to celebrate its anniversary.
free sample

Frequently used in marketing and retail contexts to refer to small quantities of a product given to customers to try before purchasing.

  • Try a free sample of our new chocolate bar!
  • The supermarket was offering free samples of the new coffee blend.
complimentary item

Common in professional or formal settings to describe items given for free, often as a gesture of goodwill or appreciation.

  • The hotel provided complimentary items such as shampoo and snacks.
  • Guests receive complimentary items in their rooms.

Examples of usage

  • Download this app and get a freebie!
  • The store was offering freebies with every purchase.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

A free drink or meal received as part of a deal or promotion.

Synonyms

complimentary meal, free drink.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
freebie

Commonly used in casual or informal situations to refer to any item or service given without charge. It can include anything from promotional items to small gifts.

  • They handed out freebies at the event
  • I got a freebie mug from the conference
free drink

Used in both casual and formal settings, usually referring to beverages provided without charge. Often seen in promotional events, hospitality services, or as part of customer appreciation.

  • The bar gave us free drinks during happy hour
  • As part of the promotion, every guest gets one free drink
complimentary meal

Used in more formal or polite contexts, typically in restaurants, hotels, or businesses as a gesture of goodwill or appreciation. It indicates a meal provided at no charge, often to compensate for an inconvenience or as a reward.

  • The hotel offered us a complimentary meal after we experienced a booking issue
  • As a loyal customer, you will receive a complimentary meal on your next visit

Examples of usage

  • I got a freebie with my burger at the restaurant.
  • The bar was handing out freebies to customers.
Context #3 | Noun

informal

Something obtained without effort or payment.

Synonyms

benefit, bonus, perk.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
freebie

Used when referring to something given for free, often with a casual or informal tone.

  • At the event, they were handing out pens and t-shirts as freebies
perk

Used to refer to a special advantage or benefit, typically offered as part of a job or membership, often informal.

  • One of the perks of working here is the free gym membership
bonus

Used to describe an extra payment or gift, often related to work or performance, sometimes unexpected.

  • The employees received a bonus for meeting the sales targets
benefit

Used in formal situations to describe an advantage or positive aspect that someone gains, often in a work or societal context.

  • One of the main benefits of this job is the health insurance

Examples of usage

  • She always manages to get freebies wherever she goes.
  • His job comes with a lot of freebies like concert tickets.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Marketing

  • Businesses often use freebies to attract customers, hoping they will enjoy the product and buy more later.
  • The strategy of offering a free sample is prevalent in food industries, like giving out small bites at grocery stores or food fairs.

Cultural References

  • Freebies are popular in festivals and conventions, where booths might offer free tote bags, stickers, or other promotional items.
  • The idea of a 'free gift' is often used in fundraising campaigns, with the goal of encouraging donations through giving a tangible bonus.

Psychology

  • Receiving freebies produces a sense of happiness and surprise, which can reinforce consumer loyalty over time.
  • The 'scarcity effect' can make freebies more attractive; if people think something is limited, they are more likely to want it.

Technology

  • Many apps and online services offer 'freemium' models, where basic features are free, but users pay for premium content.
  • Freebies in the digital world can also involve data, where users receive free content in exchange for their information and preferences.

Origin of 'freebie'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'freebie' likely comes from the word 'free,' combined with the playful suffix '-bie,' making it sound more fun and friendly.
  • It first appeared in print in the 1950s, commonly in advertising and marketing contexts, emphasizing something given for no cost.

The term 'freebie' originated in the early 20th century, combining 'free' and the suffix '-bie' indicating a small object or gift. It gained popularity in the context of promotions and giveaways, becoming a commonly used term in informal language to refer to something received for free or without effort.

See also: free, freed, freedom, freefall, freefaller, freefalling, freeing, freelancer, freely, freeway.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,067, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.