free

Pronunciation

• IPA ^(key): /friː/
• SAMPA: /fri:/

• Audio (US)

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• Audio (UK)

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Adjective

Positive free

Comparative freer

Superlative freest

A sign advertising free beer (does not cost money to buy)

1. If something is free, it does not cost money to buy.

   This loaf of bread is free. It costs $0.

   The government provides free healthcare for people who cannot afford it.

2. If something is free, it is able to go (move) anywhere easily.

   A wild bird is free to go where it likes.

3. If someone or something is free, it is carefree; it does not have any responsibilities.

   When she is not at work, she is free.

4. If something is free, it is not blocked.

   The drain was free of anything blocking it.

5. If something or someone is free, it is not in use.

   This chair does not have anyone sitting in it. It is free.

6. (social) When something is free, it has no conditions or limitations to using or being in it.

   This is a free country. You can have your own freedom of speech here.

Related words

• freely
• carefree

Verb

Plain form free

Third-person singular frees

Past tense freed

Past participle freed

Present participle freeing

1. (transitive) If you free something or someone, you release it.
   • Synonym: release
   • Antonym: capture

   She frees the birds because they do not belong in a cage.

   We officially free you from jail. You may go.

Related words

• freedom