The words ‘loose’ and ‘lose’ are often confused because of their similar spelling. The words ‘loose’ and ‘lose’, are the pair of words that are usually misconstrued, due to a little bit of similarity in their pronunciation, and spelling as well. “Loose” is an adjective used to describe things that are not tight or contained. “Lose” is a verb that means to suffer a loss, to be deprived of, to part with, or to fail to keep possession of. However, they are entirely different in the sense that we use the word ‘loose‘, to talk about something which is not fit or free. ‘Loose’ means not fixed in place tightly or firmly when used as an adjective, and to let loose, to free from restraints when used as a verb.
On the other hand, ‘lose’ is used when we misplace something or it can be used as a synonym for defeat. ‘Lose’ means to cause (something) to cease to be in one’s possession, often because of unfortunate or unknown circumstances, events, or reasons when used as a verb. When it comes to pronunciation, the word ‘loose’ has an ‘s’ sound in the end, whereas the word ‘lose’ is pronounced with a ‘z’ sound in the end.
Difference between Loose and Lose
LOOSE
- Loose refers to something which is untied, lenient, free, or slack.
- Loose is an adjective and a verb and means to release something from restraints and to set it free. This rhymes with goose.
- By the word ‘loose’ we mean not tightly held, lax or baggy, however, the term has several meanings in English, which is based on the way it is used in a sentence.
- Loose implies baggy, lax, break-free, slack, or not confined. It is used to refer to something which is not firmly attached or set at a place.
- The word ‘loose’ is commonly used as an adjective, to mean not tight, strict, or exact, but it can also be used as a verb to mean a release or relax.
- Example: The shirt is too loose to wear. Can I have some loose sugar?
LOSE
- Lose is used when we cease to retain a person or object or when we fail to win.
- Lose is a verb and means to be deprived of something. When said aloud it rhymes with snooze.
- The word ‘lose’ has basically two meanings, firstly it is used to cease to have something, i.e. misplace something, and secondly, it is used to mean defeat or fail. It is used as a verb only, in sentences.
- Lose means no longer possess something or something is taken away. It may also be used when you fail to win.
- The word ‘lose’ is only used as a verb, which represents misplace or defeat.
- Example: I lose my favorite shirt. Rahul lost his self-control.
