adj.
(freer, freest)
- not under the control or in the power of another.
▸subject neither to foreign domination nor despotic government:
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a free press.
▸permitted to take a specified action.
- not or no longer confined, obstructed, or fixed:
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the researchers set the birds free.
▸Physics (of power or energy) disengaged or available.
▸
Physics &
Chemistry not bound in an atom, molecule, or compound:
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free oxygen.
- not subject to engagements or obligations.
▸not occupied or in use.
-
(free of/from)
not subject to or affected by:
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an area free from weeds.
- available without charge.
- generous or lavish:
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she was always free with her money.
▸frank or unrestrained.
- not observing the normal conventions; improvised:
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free jazz.
▸(of a translation) conveying only the broad sense; not literal.
- Sailing (of the wind) blowing from a favourable direction to the side or aft of a vessel.
adv.
- without cost or payment.
- Sailing with the sheets eased.
v.
(frees, freeing, freed)
- make free; release.
- relieve of something undesirable or restrictive.
- make available.
Phrase
- free and easy
informal and relaxed. - a free hand
freedom to act completely at one's own discretion. - free on board
(or rail)
including delivery without charge to a ship (or railway wagon). - a free ride
a situation in which someone benefits without having to make a fair contribution. - the free world
the non-communist countries of the world, as formerly opposed to the Soviet bloc. - make free with
treat without proper respect.
Derivative
Etymology
OE frēo (adj.), frēon (v.), of Gmc origin; rel. to friend.
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