Loosening: meaning, definitions and examples

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loosening

[ˈluːsənɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

physical movement

To make something less tight or strict. To become less tight or strict.

Synonyms

relax, slacken, unfasten.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
relax	When you talk about reducing tension in a non-physical context, such as muscles, people, or situations. After a long day at work, it's important to relax and unwind
unfasten	When you want to completely undo something that has been fastened, such as a seatbelt, button, or clasp. Unfasten your seatbelts after the plane has landed
slacken	Often used when you need to reduce the tightness or speed of something such as a rope, belt, or control. Slacken the rope to give it some more slack

Word

Description / Examples

relax

When you talk about reducing tension in a non-physical context, such as muscles, people, or situations.

After a long day at work, it's important to relax and unwind

unfasten

When you want to completely undo something that has been fastened, such as a seatbelt, button, or clasp.

Unfasten your seatbelts after the plane has landed

slacken

Often used when you need to reduce the tightness or speed of something such as a rope, belt, or control.

Slacken the rope to give it some more slack

Examples of usage

The screws on the chair were loosened to make it more comfortable.
After a few days of relaxation, the muscles in my body started loosening up.
She felt like she was finally loosening her grip on the situation.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

physical movement

The act of making something less tight or strict.

Synonyms

relaxation, slackening, unfastening.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
loosening	Used when something is becoming less tight or stricter. Commonly applies to rules, restrictions, or knots. The government is loosening the restrictions Can you help me with loosening this knot?
relaxation	Refers to reducing stress or making something less tense, often used in a leisure or medical context. Yoga is great for relaxation The doctor recommends some relaxation techniques
unfastening	Describes the action of undoing something that is closed or secured, commonly used with physical objects like belts, buttons, or locks. She is unfastening her seatbelt He spent a few minutes unfastening the locks
slackening	Used when something is becoming less tight, firm, or intense, often with a negative connotation of decreased performance or vigilance. The rope is slackening, it might not hold much longer His work performance has been slackening recently

Examples of usage

The loosening of the restrictions allowed for more creativity.
With the loosening of the regulations, the company was able to expand.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old English 'leosian', which means to set free or let loose.
It has roots in the Germanic languages, reflecting how ancient peoples perceived freedom and constraints.
The transition from the Old English to Modern English included shifts in spelling and meaning over centuries.

Psychology

In psychological terms, loosening can refer to reducing stressors, creating a sense of relaxation and comfort.
Techniques in therapy often include exercises to promote mental loosening, helping individuals feel more open to ideas.
The concept is crucial in cognitive behavioral therapy, where loosening rigid thought patterns can lead to better emotional health.

Physical Health

Loosening muscles through stretching can improve flexibility and prevent injuries.
Physical therapy often involves techniques to loosen tight areas of the body, aiding rehabilitation.
Yoga practices emphasize loosening joints and muscles to enhance overall mobility and relaxation.

Cultural Practices

In many cultures, loosening is related to rituals of celebration, such as loosening the waistbands of clothing to feast.
Festivals often include physical activities that promote loosening, such as dancing, which releases tension.
Traditional ceremonies in various societies celebrate moments of 'loosening' from daily responsibilities.

Literature

The theme of loosening appears in many literary works as characters break free from rules or constraints.
Authors often use 'loosening' metaphorically to signify personal growth and transformation in a character's journey.
Loosening the ties of society is a common motif in existential literature, highlighting the struggle for authenticity.

Translations

Translations of the word "loosening" in other languages:

🇵🇹 afrouxamento

🇮🇳 ढीलापन

🇩🇪 Lockerung

🇮🇩 pelonggaran

🇺🇦 послаблення

🇵🇱 rozluźnienie

🇯🇵 緩み

🇫🇷 relâchement

🇪🇸 aflojamiento

🇹🇷 gevşeme

🇰🇷 느슨해짐

🇸🇦 تخفيف

🇨🇿 uvolnění

🇸🇰 uvoľnenie

🇨🇳 放松

🇸🇮 rahljanje

🇮🇸 losun

🇰🇿 босаңсу

🇬🇪 შერბილება

🇦🇿 boşalma

🇲🇽 aflojamiento

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,333, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
16330 gasification
16331 convening
16332 couched
16333 loosening
16334 courtly
16335 hives
16336 submissive
...