Loosen: meaning, definitions and examples

When you need to make something less tight, like a screw or a knot, use this word. It can also refer to making a restriction or rule less strict.

• He had to loosen his tie because it felt too tight
• They decided to loosen the curfew rules

This word is used when you want to reduce tension or stress, often in a person or animal. It can also refer to making restrictions or rules less strict, similar to 'loosen'.

• She likes to relax by reading a book after work
• The government decided to relax travel restrictions

Use this word when you need to undo something that is fastened, like a button, seatbelt, or latch.

• Please unfasten your seatbelts as we have arrived
• She unfastened the clasp on her necklace

This word is used to describe making something less tight or tense, like a rope, pace, or effort. It often implies a gradual process.

• Slacken the rope gradually to avoid jerks
• His pace slackened as he grew tired

When you need to set something free or let it go, both physically and metaphorically, this word fits. It also applies to making something available to the public, like a new product or information.

• The company will release the new phone model next month
• He wants to release the bird from the cage

Used when referring to making something less tight or restrictive, often physical objects.

• She had to loosen her shoelaces because they were too tight.
• He loosened his tie after the long meeting.

Commonly used in an informal context to encourage someone to be less serious or more cheerful. Can sometimes have a slightly dismissive tone.

• Hey, lighten up! It's just a game.
• You need to lighten up a bit, you're always so stressed out.

Often used to tell someone to reduce pressure or force in a situation, or to take a more relaxed approach. Can be informal.

• You need to ease up on the accelerator, you're driving too fast.
• The coach told the team to ease up on their training after several players got injured.

Can be used both literally and metaphorically. Literally, it means to make something less hard. Metaphorically, it means to make someone's attitude or stance less harsh.

• She used some lotion to soften her rough hands.
• The manager tried to soften the criticism during the meeting.

Used in contexts where one wants to take a break, reduce stress, or rest.

• After a long day at work, Janet likes to relax with a good book.
• Just relax and enjoy your vacation.

When you need to make something less tight or restrictive, like clothing or a grip.

• He decided to loosen his tie before the dinner.
• You should loosen your belt after a big meal.

Used to describe a state where someone is free from tension and anxiety, often during leisure activities.

• She enjoyed the relaxation of a quiet evening at home.
• The spa is a perfect place for relaxation.

When describing a sense of comfort, freedom from difficulty, or lack of effort in doing something.

• She approached the task with ease.
• You could see the ease in his movements as he danced.

Used to describe a situation or manner that is informal and relaxed, often in social or work environments.

• Her casualness in the meeting was surprising.
• The casualness of the party made everyone feel comfortable.