WordGarden.iofree
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /frˈiː/
US
- /ˈfri/
Meanings
Adjective
not costing any money
able to act, choose, or speak without control or restriction
not held prisoner, captive, or physically trapped
More meaningsFewer meanings
available because not busy or occupied
not containing or affected by a specified thing
Verb
to release someone or something from confinement, control, or obstruction
Beyond the definition
"Free" seems simple, but it carries several common meanings. Most often, it means that something costs nothing, like a free concert, a free sample, or free shipping. It can also describe a person, animal, or thing that is not under control or not held back, like a bird flying free or someone who feels free to speak honestly. It may also mean released from a trap, prison, or some other limit.
We also use it for time and space. You might have a free afternoon, ask whether a seat is free, or want a path to be free of clutter. In each case, the idea is simple: nothing is blocking, using, or limiting it.
The word "free" has several closely related meanings, and the context usually makes the right one clear. Its most common meaning is "costing nothing." We see this in phrases like free sample, free ticket, free app, or free admission. In daily life, this is one of the first meanings people learn.
Another major meaning is "not controlled, trapped, or limited." A person can feel free to choose, a prisoner can be set free, and an animal can run free. This idea also appears in bigger social meanings, such as free speech, a free country, or a free press, where people are allowed to speak or act without unfair control.
The word is also used for availability. If you ask, "Are you free tonight?" you mean "Do you have time?" If a chair is free, nobody is using it. If your hands are free, they are not busy holding something. In a similar way, "free" can mean clear of something unwanted, as in sugar-free food, smoke-free air, or a floor free of dust and clutter.
It also appears as a verb: to free someone or something means to release them. You can free a stuck wheel, free a bird from a cage, or free yourself from debt. Sometimes it works like an adverb, too, especially in phrases like "for free" or "set it free." Across all these uses, the core idea stays much the same: no price, no barrier, no control, or no burden.
Examples
- 1
Parking
Parking is free after 6 p.m.
- 2
Admission
Kids under five can get in for free.
- Phrasefor free
without paying
- 3
Availability
Are you free for lunch tomorrow?
- Phrasebe free
have time; not be busy
- 4
Permission
You're free to leave whenever you're ready.
- Patternbe free to + verb
be allowed to do it
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Classroom comfort
After a few weeks, she felt free to ask questions in class.
- Patternfeel free to + verb
feel comfortable doing it
- 6
Ingredients
This yogurt is free from artificial colors.
- Patternfree from + unwanted thing
without it
- 7
Debt
He spent years trying to become free of debt.
- Patternfree of + problem
no longer affected by it
- 8
Escape
The dog pulled hard on the leash and almost got free.
- Phraseget free
escape from being held
- 9
Making space
We free up some space in the garage every spring.
- Phrasefree up
make space, time, or something else available
- 10
Animal release
The birds were set free after they recovered.
- 11
Polite offer
Feel free to call me if you need help.
- Phrasefeel free to
do it if you want; do not worry about asking
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- liberated
- autonomous
- at liberty
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- free from
- free to choose
- set someone free
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
6 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- freenounverbadjectiveadverb
Forms
- freedpast tensepast participleverbnounadjective
- freeing-ing formverbnounadjective
- freesverbnounadjective
- freeercomparativeadjectiveadverbverbnoun
- freeestsuperlativeadjectiveadverbverbnoun