What is free? Pronunciation and usage in English

free means . Learn how to pronounce and use free through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of free

freeadjective

/friː/
Definition & pronunciation of free

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "free" in English! It's a tricky one for non-native speakers because it doesn't follow typical English pronunciation rules.

Here's the most common and accepted way to pronounce it:

ˈfriː

Let's break that down:

  • ˈ (This symbol indicates primary stress – it’s the loudest and most emphasized syllable.)
  • fri – This part sounds like the word "fry" but without the 'r' sound. It’s a short, crisp "free" sound. Think of it like you're saying "freet" quickly.
  • ː (This symbol indicates a lengthened vowel sound.) – The vowel sound in “free” is held for a slightly longer duration than a typical short vowel sound.

Tips & Common Mistakes:

  • Don't say "fray": This is a very common mistake. "Free" doesn't have a 'y' sound.
  • Don't add an 'r': It’s a very important point! The "r" isn’t pronounced.
  • Focus on the short "i" sound: The sound is similar to the "i" in "bit" or "sit."
  • Practice slowly: Record yourself saying it and listen back to compare.

Resources for Hearing it:

  • Google Search: Simply search "how to pronounce free" on Google and you'll find audio clips.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/free/ - This website has pronunciations by native speakers.
  • YouGlish: https://youglish.com/w/free - This shows you "free" used in real-life videos and how it’s pronounced in context.

To help me tailor the explanation further, would you like me to:

  • Give you a few example sentences using the word "free"?
  • Compare it to a similar-sounding word (like "fry")?

Usage and examples with the word free in English

Let's break down how to use the word "free" in English. It's a deceptively versatile word! Here's a breakdown of its different meanings and how to use them:

1. Without Cost (Most Common)

  • Meaning: Not costing any money.
  • Usage: This is the most familiar meaning.
  • Examples:
    • "This movie is free at the community center."
    • "I got a free coffee with my breakfast."
    • "Is this concert free to attend?"
    • "It's free shipping on orders over $50."

2. Not Restricted or Limited

  • Meaning: Without constraints, limitations, or obligations.
  • Usage: Often used with verbs like "to be," "to feel," "to act," etc.
  • Examples:
    • "I'm free tomorrow." (Meaning you have no commitments.)
    • "The children were free to play outside."
    • "She felt free to express her opinions."
    • "The company is free to negotiate the contract."

3. Independent; Not Owned

  • Meaning: Not belonging to someone; not under control.
  • Usage: Often used with concepts of ownership, property, or liberty.
  • Examples:
    • "The country gained its freedom after a long war." (Referring to independence)
    • "He is free to make his own choices." (Referring to autonomy)
    • "The bird flew free into the sky." (Refering to freedom from confinement)

4. As an Adjective Describing Something Without Charge (Less Common)

  • Meaning: Describes something given without payment.
  • Examples:
    • "I received a free gift."
    • "They offered free advice."

5. "Free" as a Verb – To Release

  • Meaning: To set someone or something free.
  • Usage: Often used in contexts of releasing animals, prisoners, or ideas.
  • Examples:
    • "The warden freed the prisoners."
    • "The activist freed the rescued animals."

6. Slang/Informal Usage

  • "Free as a bird": Meaning carefree and happy; having no worries.
  • “Let’s chill”/“Let’s hang out”: Often colloquially shortened to "free" (meaning to do something casually and without obligation). "Are you free tonight?" (Are you available to do something fun?)

Important Considerations:

  • "Free of" vs. "Free from": These are often confused.

    • "Free of" means lacking something (e.g., “The house is free of cracks.” – It doesn't have cracks.)
    • "Free from" means lacking something negative (e.g., “He is free from corruption.” – He isn't involved in corruption.)

  • Capitalization: "Free" is always capitalized when referring to freedom as a concept (e.g., “the fight for democracy and freedom”).

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What specifically are you trying to use "free" in? (e.g., “I'm writing a sentence,” “I want to understand how to use it in a particular context.”)

Synonyms for the word free

Idioms of the word free

be home and free
to have done something successfully, especially when it was difficult
  • I could see the finish line and thought I was home free.
free and easy
informal; relaxed
  • Life was never going to be so free and easy again.
(give somebody/get) a free pass
(informal)if you give somebody a free pass or somebody gets a free pass, they are not punished for something bad they have done, or they are given permission to do something bad
  • This time he gets a free pass but if he does it again, he’ll be sent to jail.
  • Just because someone has expensive designer gear, it doesn't mean they have a free pass to be mean to my staff.
get, have, etc. a free hand
to get, have, etc. the opportunity to do what you want to do and to make your own decisions
  • I was given a free hand in designing the syllabus.
get, take, etc. a free ride
to get or take something without paying because somebody else is paying for it
    give/allow somebody/something free/full rein | give/allow free/full rein to something
    to give somebody complete freedom of action; to allow a feeling to be expressed freely
    • The designer was given free rein.
    • The script allows full rein to her larger-than-life acting style.
    • When I paint I just give my imagination free rein.
    it’s a free country
    (informal)used as a reply when somebody suggests that you should not do something, or when somebody has asked permission or said they are going to do something
    • It's a free country; I'll say what I like!
    • Wear what you like. It's a free country.
    • ‘It's a free country!’ he shouted. ‘I can do what I like!’
    there’s no such thing as a free lunch
    (informal)used to say that it is not possible to get something for nothing
      walk free
      to be allowed to leave court, etc., without receiving any punishment
      • She was acquitted and walked free from court.

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