free
/friː/ IELTSAcademic
adjective
- 1.
Not under control, rule, or restriction. You can do what you want, without being stopped or limited.
- After work, I felt free at last.
- You are free to leave now.
- She finally felt free from fear.
- 2.
Without cost. You do not have to pay money for it.
- The app is free to download.
- Children under five get free entry.
- Is the wifi free here?
- 3.
Available for use or not busy.
- Is this seat free?
- I am free this afternoon.
- The room is free for the meeting.
verb
To make someone or something free. To release or let go.
- The police freed the hostages.
- He freed the bird from the cage.
- They freed the road after the accident.
Adinary Nuance
Free is broader than 'complimentary' when you mean no cost, and more common in everyday English. It is also broader than 'available' when you mean not busy, and more natural in speech. For lack of control, 'free' is softer and more general than 'independent' or 'liberated'.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- miễn phí
- Spanish
- gratis
- Chinese
- 免费的
- Japanese
- 無料の
- Korean
- 무료의
Etymology
Old English frēo, from a Germanic word meaning 'not in bondage' or 'beloved, dear'. The word has kept its core idea of no control or no payment.
Common phrases
free of chargefeel freefree timefree from
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is 'free' formal or informal?
- It is common in both speech and writing. In business, 'complimentary' can sound more formal for free services.
- What's the difference between 'free' and 'available'?
- 'Free' means not busy or not in use. 'Available' is broader and can mean ready to be used or bought.
- Can I say 'free to do something'?
- Yes. It means you have permission or no restriction to do it.
- Is 'free' used in academic writing?
- Yes, but it depends on the meaning. It is common for freedom, cost, and availability.