free1 adjectivefree2 verbfree3 adverbfree4 noun
freefree1 /friː/ ●●● S1 W1 adjective 
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- "How much is it to get into the concert?" "Oh, I think it's free."
- free oxygen
- A free bus service will be provided from the parking lot at the train station.
- a free exchange of information
- Activists were calling for a free press and political reforms.
- All Americans have the right of free speech.
- Are you free next weekend?
- Are you free to talk for a couple of minutes?
- Bulgaria's first free elections were held in 1990.
- During "Golden Time", the pupils are free to choose the activity they would like to do.
- Excuse me, is this seat free?
- He was free again, after 10 long years in jail.
- I'll be free in about five minutes. Can you wait?
- I'm free on Wednesday evening, if you want to go out to dinner then.
- I'm saving these tokens to get a free poster.
- I had just left home, and was enjoying the feeling of being free and independent at last.
- Is this chair free?
- Parking is free after 6 pm.
- Sometimes you realize how lucky you are to live in a free society.
- The clinic offers free advice on contraception.
- A member is entitled to a judgment that is free from any extraneous or ulterior motive.
- But they would've given up their vocation just to be free of you.
- Floyd investigated it soon after free fall had begun.
- In the class-action lawsuit unveiled Tuesday, doctors said such punishment would be a violation of their free speech rights.
- Many of you know that free range chickens are a very important part of Crediton.
- Maybe Bobby and I could have lunch again if he was free.
- Send for free Endangered Desserts of the World poster!
- The room was warmer, quieter and draught free.
THESAURUS
something that is free does not cost you any money: · Parking is free after 6 pm.· ‘How much is it to get into the concert?’ ‘Oh, I think it’s free.’· They were giving away free tickets for the concert.· I’m saving these tokens to get a free poster.
without having to pay for something that you would normally have to pay for: · He offered to fix the car for nothing.· Fans were allowed into the stadium for nothing as a way of celebrating.· Children under five can see the show for free.
if a shop or company provides an additional service at no extra cost, they do it without asking you for any more money: · The shop will install the cooker for you at no extra cost.· Tours of the city are available from the hotel at no extra cost.
[only before noun] free – use this about things that a company, theatre, hotel etc gives people: · Karen’s sister works at the New York Ballet and she’s managed to get us some complimentary tickets.· Honeymooners receive a complimentary bottle of champagne in their hotel room.
if food or drinks are on the house, the owner of a bar or restaurant says you do not have to pay for them: · These drinks are on the house.
especially written without having to pay for something: · Users will be able to listen to tracks (=songs)gratis.
Longman Language Activatornot costing any money something that is free costs no money: · Parking is free after 6 pm.· "How much is it to get into the concert?" "Oh, I think it's free."· The clinic offers free advice on contraception.· I'm saving these tokens to get a free poster.
to be free: · Luckily I was insured, so the treatment didn't cost anything.cost nothing/not cost anything to do something: · It doesn't cost anything to get advice from them.· The competition costs nothing to enter, just send a postcard with your name and address.
without having to pay for something that you would normally have to pay for: · He offered to fix the car for nothing.· Fans were allowed into the stadium for nothing as a way of celebrating.· Children under five can see the show for free.
without having to pay - used especially in advertisements and official notices: · Guests can park free of charge all day.· Copies of the leaflet can be obtained free of charge from your local library.· This policy ensures that you get emergency medical treatment free of charge when travelling abroad.
if there is no charge for a service that someone provides, you do not have to pay for it: · "How much is the prescription?'' "No charge -- students are exempt from payment.''· Entry to the museum costs £3, but there is no charge on Wednesdays and Sundays.no charge for: · There is no charge for cashing these travellers' cheques.
if drinks or meals are on the house , they are given to you by the owner of the bar or restaurant that you are in and you do not have to pay for them: · On New Year's Eve, he offered a glass of champagne to everyone, on the house.· The owner let us have the first bottle of wine on the house.
if a service is provided at no cost to someone, they do not have to pay for it: · The Helpline provides advice on all types of personal problems at no cost to the caller.· Treatment at the health center is available at no cost to students.
if a shop or a company provides an additional service at no extra cost, they do it without asking you for any more money: · Many activities are available at the hotel at no extra cost, but theatre trips and excursions are not included.at no extra cost to: · The store is offering to install satellite dishes at no extra cost to the buyer.
especially written provided without payment: · His work for the church is performed gratis.· You can see some local bands at local clubs absolutely gratis.
something that is given free by a company use this about things that a company, theatre, hotel etc gives people for free: · Karen's sister works at the New York Ballet and she's managed to get us some complimentary tickets.· Honeymooners receive a complimentary bottle of champagne in their hotel room.
something that is given free by a shop or a company, especially in order to advertise its products or to encourage you to buy something else: · Buy three skincare products and you can choose your super free gift.· We came back from the tour round the factory loaded down with free gifts.
informal something a company gives free with its products, or gives to the people it employs: · "Where did you get that calendar?'' "It was a freebie from work."· Most airlines offer freebies to children traveling on their planes.
allowed to do what you want allowed or able to do what you want, without being restricted by rules or by other people: · I had just left home, and was enjoying the feeling of being free and independent at last.free to do something: · During "Golden Time", the pupils are free to choose the activity they would like to do.
formal to be free to do something, especially because someone has given you official permission or you have the right to do it: · The Secretary of State told reporters, "I am not at liberty to get into the details of the proposal."· You are quite at liberty to make an official complaint if you wish.
if you can travel, speak, operate etc freely , you can do it as much as you like and in whatever way you like, without anyone trying to stop you: · For most of the year, farmers allow the sheep to roam freely on the hillsides.· In England he could write freely, without fear of arrest.· TV companies need the ability to operate freely, with the minimum of government interference,
especially spoken to do what you want to do, especially when these are not the same things as other people generally do: · As a kid, I wanted to do my own thing, but when I got older I realized I wanted to continue the family business.· The three women worked together on a stage play, and then each went off to do her own thing.
activities or actions that are not restricted · This computer program assures the free movement of facts, figures, and text between files.· Bulgaria's first free elections were held in 1990.free market (=a system in which prices and trade are not controlled by the government) · Things like health and education cannot be left to the free market.free speech (=the right to say or write what you want) · All Americans have the right of free speech.a free press (=when newspapers are not controlled by the government) · Activists were calling for a free press and political reforms.
not restricted by any rules or orders: · Reporters were later given unrestricted access to the evidence in the case.· The U.N. demanded unrestricted searches for weapons within the country.· Most countries do not permit unrestricted immigration.
if an activity or event is open , anyone can take part in it: · The military government has agreed to hold open elections next year.· We are holding an open competition to find a name for our new ship.
not restricted by time, length, subject etc: · The summit meeting was intended to be wide-ranging and open-ended.· As well as practice exercises, students should be encouraged to do more open-ended activities.
the right to do what you want the right to do what you want without being controlled or restricted, especially by a government or by someone in authority: · There was a huge party at the Berlin Wall as East Germans celebrated their freedom.· Teachers in the special program have a greater amount of freedom in what they teach.freedom to do something: · People here have the freedom to practise whatever religion they like.freedom of speech/choice/expression etc: · In a country where freedom of speech is guaranteed, citizens should expect to hear ideas with which they disagree.freedom from: · The constitution guarantees freedom from persecution on grounds of race, sex, or sexuality.
a person's legal right to do what they want, without being unfairly controlled or restricted by the government: · They were fighting for liberty and equality.· Many people think that compulsory ID cards interfere with personal liberty.
when someone is allowed to do something in the way that they want, without being told what to do: · Some government agencies will be run like private companies, with a free hand when it comes to rules on hiring, buying equipment, etc.give somebody a free hand: · He was given a remarkably free hand in making all the arrangements.
a country or system of government in which people have freedom a free country, political system, or society is one in which people are allowed to live their lives in the way that they choose, express their opinions freely, take part in political activity etc: · We will continue our struggle until our country is free.· They were able to return to visit their family in a free Czech Republic.· Sometimes you realize how lucky you are to live in a free society.
a liberal society or system is one in which people have the right to express their own opinions, live their own way of life, have their own religious beliefs etc, even if these are different from those of most other people: · In a liberal society you may have the right to express your own beliefs, but not necessarily to cause offence to other people.· In the 1840s, President Herrera promoted a policy of gradual liberal reform in Mexico.
to make a country free to remove the control or authority of a strict or unfair system of government from a country: · He joined the resistance movement in order to free his country from the enemy.· The allies arrived in Brussels on September 3rd and Antwerp was freed the next day.
if an army liberates a country, it enters that country and defeats the foreign army and government that controlled it: · Algeria was liberated from France in 1962.· Poland, the Czech Republic, and other countries liberated from Soviet rule have done very well economically.
not in prison not in prison, or not being kept somewhere by force: · He was free again, after 10 long years in jail.· The hostages are now free after their five-day ordeal.· The rapist was sentenced to five years in prison, but he could be free in 18 months.
no longer in prison because you have been allowed to leave: · Peters could be out in as little as 3 years.get out: · Her husband gets out of jail next week.
if a criminal is at liberty , he or she is not in prison because the police cannot catch them: · Tonight only one of the escaped prisoners remains at liberty; the other seven are now back in Central Prison.· Walker was at liberty for many years before the police apprehended him.
when you are not in prison or not being kept somewhere by force: · One of the protesters was arrested again after only 48 hours of freedom.· The negotiations led to freedom for the eight hostages.
to let someone leave prison to let someone leave prison: · McKay moved to Newcastle after being released from prison.· They released ten political prisoners last year.
to let someone leave a place where they are being kept by force: · The hostages were set free last night.· The Emancipation Proclamation, in 1863, set the American slaves free.
to let someone leave a place where they are being kept, especially a prison: · Lusani hopes to be let out early.let sb out of: · She was let out of prison to attend her daughter's funeral.
to allow someone to leave a place where they have been kept by force for a short time: · Due to a lack of evidence against the suspect, the police had to let the prisoner go.· I just kept praying that the man would let me go.
to allow someone who is a prisoner or being kept somewhere to be free: · Many of these young offenders should have been freed a long time ago.free from: · His supporters are demanding that he be freed from prison.free into: · The dolphins will be freed into the ocean once their injuries have healed.
time when you can do what you want time when you can do what you want, because you are not working or studying: · Now that she's retired she has plenty of free time.· On Wednesday afternoons most of the students have free time.spend your free time (doing something): · Theo spends his free time doing volunteer work.in your free time: · In his limited free time, Carson likes to take his family skiing.
time when you have finished what you have to do or are expected to do, so that you can do what you want: · Mothers with young babies rarely have much spare time.in your spare time: · She's studying for a degree in her spare time.spend your spare time (doing something): · How do you spend your spare time?· Penny spends her spare time writing letters and emailing friends.
time when you are officially allowed not to be at your place of work or study: · All employees are allowed time off for doctor's appointments.· She hasn't had any time off for six months.· I'll need some extra time off for revision.time off work/school etc: · Americans get much less time off work than European workers.
time when you are not working, studying etc and can do activities that you enjoy: · Very often, retired people need to be taught how to use and enjoy their leisure time.· If I have a moment of leisure, I go to the movies.in your leisure time: · In his leisure time he visits museums and art galleries.leisure (time) activities: · tourism, sightseeing, and other leisure time activities· Reading was one of the most popular leisure activities.
time when you stop what you are doing, especially in order to rest: · Taking time out just to relax each day is important for busy working people.
when you are not busy and have free time if you are free at a particular time, you are not busy and there is nothing that you have to do: · Are you free this weekend?· I'm free on Wednesday evening, if you want to go out to dinner then.
also not have anything on British spoken to not have arranged to do anything at a particular time: · I don't think we have anything on next Tuesday, do we?· We don't have anything planned yet for Christmas; we might go to my parents'.
if you do something at (your) leisure , you do it when you are not busy and have time to do it without hurrying: · Take a brochure home to read at your leisure.· Sixty cars will be displayed, and potential buyers will be able to inspect them at leisure.
available for someone to have or use if something is available , you can get it, buy it, or use it: · There's no room for more books - we've used up all the available space.available to: · Grants are available to students who have high grades.available from: · The publication is available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.available at/in: · Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster locations.have something available: · Do you have a room available for this weekend?readily/freely available (=very easy to get): · Drugs like heroin are readily available on the streets.make something available: · These statistics are never sold or made available to the public.
a room or seat that is free is not being used by anyone now, and no one has asked for it to be kept for them to use later: · Is this chair free?· The only free seats on the train were in a smoking compartment.have something free: · The hotel never has any rooms free over the Christmas period.
something that is spare is not being used now, but it can be used if someone needs it: · I need 50 cents for the parking meter - do you have any spare change?· We're using the spare bedroom as a storage space.· a spare tyre
something such as a room or seat that is empty has no one using it at the moment and is therefore available for someone else to use: · They have three empty rooms now that the kids have moved out.· I think there's an empty seat in the back row.· The house was empty for two months before it was sold.
a building, home, room, or office that is vacant is available because it is not owned or rented by anyone: · There don't seem to be any vacant rooms in the whole of London!· If you're looking for somewhere to rent, I think there's a vacant apartment in my building.· Of the buildings the company owns, only 3% are vacant.
something that is to be had or to be found is available to anyone who knows where to get it from: · When no work was to be had, he borrowed money from friends.· We looked all over, but there were no fast food restaurants to be found.· She knew of a place where designer clothes were to be had at bargain prices.
British informal if something is going , it is available for anyone who wants it: · Is there any more wine going?· There aren't many jobs going in this part of the country.
if something is at your disposal , someone has provided it for you to use whenever you want or in any way that you want: · We have ample money at our disposal to do this job right.· A limousine and driver were put at her disposal for the entire week.
informal if something that you like or enjoy is on tap , it is available to you all the time so that you can have it whenever you want it: · It's a great place for a rest: food, music, alcohol - everything's on tap.· Some three hundred free outdoor shows are on tap during the weekend festival.
when someone is not busy and is available to do something someone who is available is not doing anything now and is therefore available to do something, especially a piece of work for someone else: · We need someone to work on this job immediately. Who's available?· Most of the staff is away today so you'll have to use whoever is available.· None of the witnesses were available for comment.
someone who is free is available because they are not doing anything now or have finished what they were doing: · I'll be free in about five minutes. Can you wait?free to do something: · Are you free to talk for a couple of minutes?
building/room/seat a building, room, or seat that is empty has nothing or no-one in it: · My footsteps echoed across the empty room.· We were a little worried to find that half the seats in the theatre were empty.· Police say the shot was fired from an empty office building across the street.half empty (=used to say that a room, building etc has not got many people in it): · I was surprised that the train was half empty at that time of day.
a seat, space, or room that is free is not being used and is available for people to use: · Is this seat free?· There are never any parking spaces free at this time of day.· The meeting room won't be free until at least 3.30, I'm afraid.
a building, room, or seat that is vacant is not being used and is available for people to use: · The police had set up a temporary station in a vacant apartment across the street.· The next guesthouse we tried had a couple of rooms vacant.· Brunton went into the bar, but he couldn't spot a single vacant seat.
a room or building that is bare has very little furniture or other things in it: · The room was completely bare except for a bed against the wall.· We spent a long time walking through the bare rooms, remembering the games we used to play there.
especially written an unoccupied house, room, office etc is not being lived in or used: · Many of the old houses that back onto the railway are now unoccupied.· It's a scandal that there are so many unoccupied buildings in this city, and so many homeless people.
to escape from somewhere where you are in danger to get away from a place, country etc where you are in danger, especially when it is difficult to do this because someone is trying to catch you or stop you leaving: · Only four people managed to escape before the roof collapsed.· The refugees have crossed miles of desert to escape civil war and famine.escape from: · Josie managed to escape from her attacker and call the police.escape into/through/over etc: · Some people were able to escape over the border into Tanzania.· When the army began killing civilians in the town, he was able to escape through the jungle.
to escape from a place or country when there is a serious risk that something bad will happen very soon: · Eventually we realized there was no way of getting out.· A few people managed to get out before the government crackdown.get out of: · All US tourists and journalists are being advised to get out of the country as soon as possible.get out alive: · The whole building was on fire - we were lucky to get out alive!
to try to escape from someone by running away: · Don't run away - I'm not going to hurt you.· Delia managed to get away from the man and ran off screaming.run away/run off from: · If you run away from the bull, it's almost certain to attack you.run away/run off into/down/across etc: · He jumped out of the car and ran off into the woods.
to suddenly run away very quickly, as soon as you have a chance, especially because you are very frightened: · One of the horses got into a panic and bolted.· When police approached him to ask him some questions, he bolted.bolt across/into/out etc: · Before I could say a word, she turned and bolted out the front door.
informal to suddenly run away very quickly because you are in danger of being caught, especially when you are doing something illegal: · Somebody's coming. Quick, run for it.· There's no way we can beat them - we're going to have to make a run for it.
to escape as quickly as possible because you are in great danger - used especially in newspapers: · When police arrived, the two men fled.flee from/to/into etc: · Most of the women there were Somalis fleeing from the civil war.· Up to five million political refugees have fled to other countries.flee the country/the city etc: · Rollins tried to flee the country but was stopped at the airport.
to escape from a place or a dangerous situation, especially when you do this quickly and secretly, as soon as you have a chance: · He made his escape by climbing through the window and down the fire escape.· The hostages spent days waiting for the opportunity to make their escape.
to escape by running away very quickly - used especially in stories: · The kids immediately took to their heels as Mrs Brewster appeared around the corner.· He jumped off the train, took to his heels, and was quickly out of sight.
to escape from someone who is holding you: · She wanted to break away, but his grip was too strong.· With a violent twist he broke free and ran out of the room.break free/break away from: · Then Tammy broke free from Judd and ran for the door screaming.
to escape from an aircraft that is going to crash: · The pilot bailed out of the aircraft just in time and was only slightly injured.
to give something extra when someone buys something if a company gives away something, they give it to people when they buy the company's products: give away something (with something): · They're giving away free wine glasses when you spend more than $15 on gas.· 700 concert tickets were given away to people buying CDs or cassettes.give something away (with something): · "Where did you get that badge?'' "They're giving them away with this week's Melody Maker magazine.''
to give someone something at no additional cost when they buy something from you: throw in something: · The person selling the house may offer to throw in the carpets and curtains as part of the deal.throw something in : · Never mind the chairs -- I'll throw them in with the table.
something, usually something not very valuable, that is given to you when you buy something else: · Most banks offer students a free gift when they open a new account.· Your Free Gift From Cachet. A perfume atomiser with every 50ml Eau de Toilette purchase.
to not have a particular substance, quality, feature etc also haven't got especially British · He doesn't have much of a sense of humor.· Her little girl doesn't seem to have any fear at all.· It doesn't really have any practical use.· She said she hasn't got as much pain in her leg as she used to.
if someone or something lacks a particular substance, quality, feature, or ability, they have never had it: · He lacked the energy to argue with him.· Many people lack adequate pension arrangements.· Glenn has the discipline that Forman lacks.
not having or containing a particular substance, feature etc: · "With or without sugar?'' "Without, please!''· "Gourmet Food without Salt" is aimed at people with high-blood pressure.· He was without any sense whatsoever.
use this to describe the things that a place or thing does not have: · There aren't enough ladies' rooms at the stadium.· There wasn't a decent restaurant for miles.
if a product, food, or drink is free from a substance, especially one that is harmful, it does not contain that substance: · The new shampoo uses only natural products and is completely free from artificial colouring and preservatives.· Organic produce is free from harmful chemicals.
: sugar-free/fat-free/lead-free etc not containing sugar, fat, lead etc - use this especially about things that have been deliberately made this way: · a sugar-free soft drink· It looks like wine and tastes like wine, but it's almost alcohol-free.
to be allowed to do something · Now that you're seventeen, you can learn to drive.· You can't park here.· Ask Jan if you can borrow a cup or two of milk.
to be allowed to do something, especially because a rule or law says you can do it: be allowed to do something: · Are we allowed to use calculators on the test?something is allowed: · Lanterns and heaters are allowed on Forest Service lands if they are fueled by propane.be allowed in/out/off/on etc (=be allowed to go in, out, off etc): · Several international relief organizations had been allowed into the area to determine what help was needed.
formal to be allowed to do something by an official order, rule, or law: be permitted to do something: · Residents were not even permitted to fish in the reservoir.something is permitted: · Smoking is only permitted in the public lounge.
formal to be allowed to do something: · Educational institutions may videotape copyrighted television programs, but the tape must be destroyed after 45 days.
to be allowed to do something when you want or in the way that you want: · Workers are free to choose from a wide variety of insurance plans.· The winners of the competition are free to spend their prize money in any way they choose.
what you say to give permission · "Can I watch TV?" "Sure, go ahead."go right ahead · "Is it OK if I eat the last apple?" "Go right ahead."go ahead and do something · If you want to take a shower, just go ahead and take one.
when someone asks you if they can use something, especially something that belongs to you: · "Is it all right if I call my parents?" "Be my guest."· "Do you mind if I sit here?'' "Be my guest."
when you want someone to do what they want without feeling that they need to ask you first: · "I hope you don't mind if I use your phone." "Of course not. Feel free."feel free to do something: · Please feel free to stop me and ask questions whenever you like.
when you want someone to take what they want, especially food or drink: · "Is there any beer left?" "Sure, help yourself."help yourself to something: · Help yourself to coffee and cake.
spoken use this as a friendly way of telling someone they can do something: · "Can I take some more casserole?" "Of course!"· "Do you mind of I sit here?" "Of course you can."
something that can be used something that is available can be used, for example because no one else is using it or it is not being used for anything else: · This program will take up a lot of your available disk space.every available: · Houses were being built on every available plot of land.whatever is available: · Use whatever seasonal vegetables are available.
use this about a chair, room, table etc that you can use because no-one else is using it: · The office next door is free if you need somewhere to work.· There's just one free table, over there in the corner.
something that is usable can be used, because it works well or because it has been made ready for use: · I know the bicycle's old, but it's still usable.· The refinery turns crude oil into usable products such as gas and tar.· The program has some nice features that make it more usable than most.
if a ticket, passport etc is valid , you can legally use it and it will be officially accepted.: · Do you have a valid driver's license?valid for: · Your ticket is valid for travel at any time of the day.valid for 10 years/two months/one week etc: · My passport is valid for 10 years.
a current official document has not yet reached the date after which it can no longer be used: · Acceptable forms of ID include a current passport or a birth certificate.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY
There’s a special free gift with this month’s magazine. He walked out of the courtroom a free man. They have called on the government to set all political prisoners free. He was found not guilty and walked free from the court. The animals are allowed to run free in the park. Hundreds of dogs roam free on the streets. She broke free from her attacker. Women are struggling to break free from tradition. He became president following the country’s first free elections last year. We would all support the principle of free speech. For the first time in its history, the country has a free press. Patients are now allowed free access to their medical records. The legislation will allow the free movement of goods through all the countries in Europe. I haven’t got a free day this week. Children these days have very little free time. He used his free hand to open the door. a stress-free life a fat-free yoghurt tax-free earnings an opportunity to buy duty-free goodsCOLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES The cost includes free admission to the casinos. Ten years ago I was footloose and fancy-free. They have accused the government of trying to block the free flow of information. When the kids leave home, you’ll be footloose and fancy-free (=free and without worries). I got a few games free when I bought my computer. The great ship slipped her moorings and slid out into the Atlantic. a nuclear-free zone The dog wriggled free and ran off.
There’s a special free gift with this month’s magazine. He walked out of the courtroom a free man. They have called on the government to set all political prisoners free. He was found not guilty and walked free from the court. The animals are allowed to run free in the park. Hundreds of dogs roam free on the streets. She broke free from her attacker. Women are struggling to break free from tradition. He became president following the country’s first free elections last year. We would all support the principle of free speech. For the first time in its history, the country has a free press. Patients are now allowed free access to their medical records. The legislation will allow the free movement of goods through all the countries in Europe. I haven’t got a free day this week. Children these days have very little free time. He used his free hand to open the door. a stress-free life a fat-free yoghurt tax-free earnings an opportunity to buy duty-free goods The cost includes free admission to the casinos. (=be allowed to stay out of prison if you pay or agree to do something)· The men were questioned yesterday before being released on bail.
(=with no alcohol in it)· I'll bring some alcohol-free beer.
(=with no cost)· Delivery is free of charge.
(=from a chicken that moved around outside and ate naturally)· All the chicken we serve is free-range.
· Students have an entirely free choice of what to study at university.
· Summer vacation is a time when children are freed from the constraints of routine.
(=not be limited by them)· No film producers are free from the constraints of censorship.
(=where people’s actions are not too restricted)· You can go where you like – it’s a free country.
(=with no interest added to it)· We offer interest-free credit for up to 50 weeks.
(=you do not pay extra for it)· We offer free delivery anywhere in the UK.· Delivery is free for purchases over £20.
(=based on companies producing and selling products freely, without restrictions)· Eastern European countries were gradually making the transition to a market economy.
(=with everyone allowed to vote for who they want)· These will be the country’s first free multi-party elections.
· Guests have free entry to the hotel spa and gym.· Entry is free for children.
Ten years ago I was footloose and fancy-free. They have accused the government of trying to block the free flow of information. When the kids leave home, you’ll be footloose and fancy-free (=free and without worries). I got a few games free when I bought my computer. (=something that a shop or business gives you)· If you spend over £50, you get a free gift.
(=that you do not pay tax on when you bring them into a country)· What is the permitted amount of duty-free goods?
(=the hand someone is not already using)· Amy was stroking the dog with her free hand.
(=on which you pay no interest)· They offer an interest-free loan for two years.
The great ship slipped her moorings and slid out into the Atlantic. a nuclear-free zone (=reporters whose reports are not restricted by the government)· I am glad that we have a free press in this country.
· Hundreds of prisoners were released.
· Giving away samples is one way of getting free publicity for your products.
· Excuse me, is this seat free?
· Censorship has no place in a free society.
· He spends all this free time watching television.
(=one that is not very exact)· It’s a rough translation but I think the meaning is clear.
· She had to be cut free from the wreckage by firemen.
The dog wriggled free and ran off. (=where nuclear weapons, smoking etc is not allowed)· The county council offices are a smoke-free zone.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSNOUN· The huge black doors of the boat-house had been fastened back to allow free access.· Southwestern Cable is providing free access to its high-speed Roadrunner Internet service in 14 public libraries within its service area.· Satellite communications will expedite progress, especially since some of the operators have already promised free access in developing countries.· Allowed free access to their own reward centers, many of the rats became hopeless lever addicts.· Does an open school mean totally free access to teachers, class rooms and corridors at all times?· Sharing your address is a small price to pay for free access.· They are completely true to the ideals of the National Gallery: public accessibility, free access, no selling of pictures.· The document advocates free access to information, as well as free expression.
· Dodger Vice President Fred Claire thinks his acquisition of a shortstop could come either through trade or free agency.· Now, routinely, free agency is an option that must be considered in the annual personnel decisions of each team.· More players will be released as teams get down to the $ 67.4 million salary cap before free agency begins Friday.· This form of free agency appears here to stay.· Actually, though, if the other owners had approved of his free agency proposal, Finley probably would have withdrawn it.· Then that will take away some of the importance of free agency.· Lost 1B-3B Charlie Hayes to free agency.· In 1975, free agency became a reality when two players won their lawsuits against Major League Baseball.
· That's when I realised that I couldn't go on with this free agent nonsense.· Wonder if the new owners will invest some of it in signing free agents during the offseason?· The Giants also have accepted the loss of some of their 11 free agents.· You can be a free agent, trading or stealing, building or fighting.· No longer was he to be a free agent in the matter of policy.· Bagwell's value on the free-agent market will be established when he actually becomes a free agent.· By this test X is a free agent.· Center John Coker and guard Terrence Rencher, rookies who were not on the playoff squad, also are free agents.
· For a free copy, send an sae to.· For a free copy, call the center at 619-594-6933.· Every member receives a free copy and these directories are also supplied to contractors, agents and venues.· Some customers have received free copies of the software for the current year.· Phillips have also put together a Man's Guide to Skin Care - you can obtain a free copy by writing to.· For further information or free copies of our brochure and timetable telephone or write.· Friends taking part in the visit will receive a free copy of the newly-published guidebook to the complex.
· A free country in a free world is always at risk from high winds and rough seas.· But these days there was little left to hunt and little free country left to do it in.· The hon. Gentleman may have noticed that this is a free country.· When Miihlenberg learned that it was indeed a free country, he made the best of things.· The scheme will be widened to other rabies-free countries next year if the trial is successful.· The government of a free country must conduct its business openly to the greatest possible degree.· Well, it is a free country isn't it?· It's still a free country, innit?
· But what constitutes a free election?· And the new genre of populist politicians will have to deliver far more than free elections.· The first genuinely free elections since 1945 were held in March 1990.· In most of these countries, the advances came in the form of free elections or a peaceful transfer of power.· Moto had planned to return on Aug. 18 to demand the legalization of political parties and the holding of free elections.· And most of the former Warsaw Pact nations have trouble deciding if they want either free elections or free markets.· The Bonn government said the resignation was insufficient and free elections must follow.· They advocated some form of participatory democracy with free elections and a multi-party system.
· It's only free enterprise, after all.· But what began as an enlightened innovation has become an albatross around the neck of the free enterprise system.· It shows free enterprise Toryism at its best.· Few understood how free enterprise could work.· All this is being done in the name of free enterprise.· But society is not all cooperation; a measure of competitive free enterprise is inevitable.· This can be felt particularly strongly by corporate officials if the law attempts to interfere with free enterprise.· Some free enterprises argue that if the highway is built with private funds, there should be no government regulation.
· A procedure for transforming to a frame in free fall is described in Section 6.6.· And he almost got it three weeks ago when it was obvious the team was in free fall.· Thus we have verified that a transformation to a frame in free fall is always possible. 6.7.· It is emphasized here that there is no rotation in a frame in free fall.· Floyd investigated it soon after free fall had begun.· Einstein next considered the implications of the equivalence principle for motion in free fall, that is to say motion under gravitational forces alone.· Wild speculation, low margin requirements and sheer panic triggered the free fall that set off the Great Depression.
· Companies surely benefit from being quizzed about their strategies and from a free flow of ideas with the market.· They said that without his presence, there will be a freer flow of ideas, especially from Smith and Gentry.· But that free flow of images is a threat to photojournalism.· We depend on a free flow of ideas.· Not sniffling, it's free flow.· An unnatural element is introduced between the writer and the free flow of creative thought.· A self-sufficient community is a thrombosis, a deadly block to the essential free flow of profits.· Removing obstacles to the free flow of people and trade involves new laws.
· Last year Golf Monthly gave one of these pitch repairers as a free gift which I still use regularly.· They want photo stories, tales of holiday romances, horoscopes and advice columns as well as free gifts of make-up and jewellery.· Hassall Homes, of Wakefield, Yorkshire, is even offering the normal five percent deposit as a free gift.· And our free gift this month is a recipe leaflet showing you how to create delicious calorie-reduced meals.· Polished performer Making the most of your free gift.· The Karimojong happily accepted these unexpected free gifts but have not been too enthusiastic about development projects introduced after the famine.· There's also a free gift wrapping service on any purchase over £10.
· With his free hand, he beckoned the startled onlookers to come closer.· No advanced industrial nation gives corporations a freer hand in busting unions.· He leaned forward, the bottle tilted, his free hand pulling and twitching on the wheel and tapping the throttle.· With his free hand he was softly pushing back her hair, sending goosebumps scattering from Shiona's head to her toes.· Her free hand reached down through her lap to grab a sincere handful of my crotch.· Money is available for new players and he has a free hand to change the backroom staff.· Ruth shook her head and then with her free hand scooped her hair back from her face.
· Anthony should be higher cos he takes free kicks.· Another eight minutes and Willie Jamieson powered in a header from an Iain Cameron free kick to complete the reversal of fortunes.· A free kick 25 yards out perfectly placed and left the Derby defence bemused and helpless.· Lee King floated home a simple free kick for the third on 29 minutes.· But as a first-half Merson free kick ricocheted to him eight yards from goal he miscued.· Then, from a McKinlay free kick, McPherson forced Fridge to make a spectacular, one-handed save.· They went one down, when Ian Helliwell struck from a free kick.· Cook forced Howells to backpedal and push a floater over the bar, while Andy Toman curled a free kick just wide.
· If these Politicians have their way, there may literally be no free lunch for millions of children!· There is no free lunch, there is no donation without strings.· Foaming schooners, free lunch, fish fry Fridays, poker in the back room, arguments settled in the alley.· There's no such thing as a free lunch.· There is no free lunch for any segment of society.· Contemporary cosmology even suggests that the whole universe might have appeared out of the quantum vacuum: the ultimate free lunch.· If your company provides free lunches, don't be deterred from missing one occasionally and buying your own apple.
· So last year, the court threw out the conviction and made Lanier a free man.· It was argued that only property-owners had the economic independence necessary to be a free man.· Paradoxically he is the only free man in the community, as he pays no taxes and is not subject to conscription.· Ahab feels then that he must destroy these evil forces in order to survive as a free man.· He could honestly say that on waking this morning he was thankful to feel he was a free man.· Maybe a ruined man is the only free man.
· They must be allowed to make profits in a free market that co-exists with the planned economy.· Certainly, the free market is not free of problems.· But theirs was never a free market.· But since the spread of the free market to the less developed world, the incentives have run the other way.· The aim of Gatt is to tear down trade barriers and open up free markets.· Clerics who watched the old establishment crumbling found it difficult to enter an ecclesiastical free market.· A further cause for unease is that adherence to a free market philosophy combined with reduced taxation has increased economic inequality.· In a free market, competition drives prices down to the fair market price, with different prices on each street corner.
· A truly free press is a press which irritates and infuriates along the way.· For without an informed and free press there can not be an enlightened people.· It strikes at the very fundamentals of a free press, by placing a cost barrier on access to information.· You can not do a film about the importance of a free press and bore you to death.· In the first place they were presented with a riveting demonstration of what a genuinely free press is capable of.· We think he should, on free press grounds and more.· I believe in a free Press, with rights to freedom of expression and to report that which is truthful.· A free press burst out of the shadows within a few months of the collapse of the Suharto regime.
· It's believed that pollution can form substances in our body known as free radicals which speed up ageing.· Two hot areas: products for dieters and antioxidants, which are thought to neutralize so-called free radicals that can damage cells.· The mechanism of the process is brought about by the initial ionisation of water and the subsequent production of free radicals.· Left to their own devices, these free radicals cause tissue damage.· Reduced glutathione is known as a major low molecular weight scavenger of free radicals in cytoplasm.· However, the products obtained from reactions with halides can be rather surprising - ie the dithiadiazole can trap free radical intermediates.· As a result, new classes of free radical are particularly interesting to chemists.· In 1880 the first cyclic sulphur-nitrogen free radical - - was prepared as a deep green powder with a metallic lustre.
· So, goes the conspiracy, the Foreign Office can now give free rein to its instinctive Arabism.· Then I pretty much give them free rein.· As he drove he was able to allow his thoughts a free rein.· No, it was thanks to my culinary abilities that Marie-Claude gave me free rein of both her kitchen and her bedchamber.· I would discuss the script, say, on proportional representation, and then give him free rein.· But at that minute, having allowed them free rein, guilt and self-condemnation were riding her hard.· His moral reading of events was given free rein.· The special conditions at Westminster are one part of the explanation of the relatively free rein given to counter-insurgency and covert activity.
· Because as part of their battle plan the taxi drivers are offering them free rides.· It is still acting as if Democrats offer a free ride to Medicare reform and the Republicans a drive over the cliff.· Suppose we get a free ride into the land of happiness?· Taking the patriarchal code literally, however, gives Kelly Flinn a free ride on coveting.· Formal inauguration ceremonies are planned for December 17 followed by free rides over the December 18-19 weekend.· The company got a free ride on just about everything.· Read in studio A glider pilot is trying to popularise a new aerial sport by taking people for free rides.· But even those that match expectations get no free ride.
· A truly socialist legal system and democracy complete with free speech and free media were called for.· But free speech is taken for granted, and authorities have traditionally practiced minimum government.· Strauss alleged that this was an infringement of his absolute privilege of free speech and as such was a contempt of Parliament.· Otherwise, free speech which is the strength of the Nation will be the cause of its destruction.· This is just the latest example of the threat to free information and even free speech presented by the nuclear energy lobby.· The flag nonsense violates First Amendment free speech protections.· In my view the appellant's argument founded on free speech is without merit.· Numerous Court cases have made it clear that there are limits to free speech.
· They missed 10 of 26 free throws and turned the ball over 16 times.· He even took out his mouthpiece and chatted up the referees during free throws.· On the ensuing inbounds pass, Bobby Edwards fouled Bailey, who made one of two free throws.· There are two points up on the scoreboard for Oregon, but they came from a pair of free throws by Sally.· Out on the court, the players are practicing free throws in groups of four.· Cal used that for a 6-0 run and scored 15 consecutive points on free throws during that stretch.· Then Willis made two more free throws.
· During free time she would make sure everyone had sufficient to do.· Coburn plans to spend much of her free time writing.· The crisis shows something else - the vulnerability of our economies and lifestyles, and the free time they sustain.· All of which is to say, maybe I slept so much simply because I had so much free time.· Most of her free time was spent in Water Gypsy's main cabin, reliving the memories it held for her.· She loses the community of women who hand their children back and forth so that each can have some free time.· But he spends most of his free time jumping off mountains paragliding.· With the extra free time, they might do more volunteer work, Jerome said.
· Politically he was a radical, keenly interested in free trade and home rule.· It is simply a free trade area with not even vague plans for eventual political union.· Compare, for instance, its use in free speech, free love, free dinner and free trade.· But the biggest blind spot is the inability of Bush and Evans to see that there are other perspectives on free trade.· Status: Regional grouping for free trade between member countries and for promotion of wider free trade co-operation.· We have maintained our share of the free trade market, despite intense competition and considerable pressure on margins.
· It called for a free vote on marijuana, and also for possible referendums on abortion and the restoration of capital punishment.· He has spent his life campaigning for free trade unionism and free votes.· Members are traditionally allowed a free vote and can not be instructed by their party to follow a line.· On a free vote the amendment was carried by 292 votes to 246, a majority of forty six.· The issues of Maastricht - single currency, sovereignty and legal structure - deserve thorough scrutiny and a free vote.· Who is really winning will not be known before the free vote on the embryo Bill in the new year.· No wonder, it will be a free vote.
· This is made clear in his controversy with John Bramhall, Bishop of Derry, on the subject of free will.· Humans could no longer be allowed any such privileged, mystical feature as free will to distinguish them.· Physical possession would be emotional pillage, her identity, free will and pride the spoils he claimed for himself.· Her mouth opened of its own free will to his playfully probing tongue, welcoming the invader.· What we need is an objective test that we can apply from the outside to distinguish whether an organism has free will.· The third question was: If everything is determined, what becomes of free will and our responsibility for our actions?· She was placed in a safe house but later returned to the coven of her own free will.· To some extent, adults can choose of their own free will whether to deal with their grief or not.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRYPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► there’s no (such thing as a) free lunch► an independent/positive/free etc thinker
- But she tells me she still does not feel free.
- Help him or her feel free to talk.
- How did you say you felt free for the first time in your life?
- I felt free in a new way.
- If not, feel free to discard them and draw your own.
- If you should wish to look inside the packet, before sending it, feel free to do so.
- So he felt free to go for broke.
- So how is it they feel free to ask those parallel questions of other people?
- a free and easy lifestyle
- A free and easy smile, but lop-sided because her face was still puffy from Garty's beating.
- Cousin Noreen was arriving on Sunday and life wasn't going to be so free and easy after that.
- Gone was the free and easy time of three meals a day and as many hot drinks as we liked.
- In this free and easy style, I accustomed myself to the rhythms of school life.
- It was as if they were indeed from another world: a happy world, a free and easy world.
- Robyn remembered his free and easy hand as he had poured her wine.
- The time they shared became special now, where before they had been free and easy.
- Their relationship is not free and easy but at least Red is no longer looking daggers at her.
- He could not remember having ever been in the company of such an exuberantly free spirit.
- It was a celebration of freedom, free spirits and free enterprise.
- Margaret radiated such radical free spirit, such electricity, that I fell directly in love.
- October 20 A free spirit, captured in his own words Jeanson par Jeanson by Rene
- One of your original free spirits, I guess.
- There is no point booking a package holiday - this contains the essentially free spirit of the tack traveller.
- These free spirits were on average ten to fifteen years my senior and old hands in high finance.
- They've given me a free hand with the budget, as long as I stay under $10,000.
- Both these factors gave him a freer hand to negotiate.
- He's given me a free hand to buy horses.
- I would discuss the script, say, on proportional representation, and then give him free rein.
- It turns them on and gives them a free hand to be as obnoxious as they want.
- No advanced industrial nation gives corporations a freer hand in busting unions.
- No, it was thanks to my culinary abilities that Marie-Claude gave me free rein of both her kitchen and her bedchamber.
- Then I pretty much give them free rein.
- While watching him at work she impulsively asked to borrow his materials and followed his advice to give her imagination free rein.
- As a country, we must face the fact that there is no free lunch for Social Security recipients.
- "You can't say things like that!" "I can say whatever I want - it's a free country."
- Suppose we get a free ride into the land of happiness?
- The company got a free ride on just about everything.
- Ken's a little too free with his money.
- She's always very free with praise for her employees.
- A jammed hinge or latch can be freed with a penetrating oil such as Plus Gas.
- All the pumps were frozen and had to be freed with burning straw.
- He declined to make free with her narrow loins.
- Or company directors who like to make free with their own ca-ca?
- "Can I use the microwave?" "Oh, feel free."
- "I hope you don't mind if I use your phone." "Of course not. Feel free."
- Please feel free to stop me and ask questions whenever you like.
- But she tells me she still does not feel free.
- Help him or her feel free to talk.
- How did you say you felt free for the first time in your life?
- I felt free in a new way.
- If not, feel free to discard them and draw your own.
- If you should wish to look inside the packet, before sending it, feel free to do so.
- So he felt free to go for broke.
- So how is it they feel free to ask those parallel questions of other people?
- Bronson gave us his confession of his own free will.
- For all men serve him of their own free will.
- Her mouth opened of its own free will to his playfully probing tongue, welcoming the invader.
- I came back of my own free will on Friday, and went to the game yesterday.
- I say this of my own free will.
- She was placed in a safe house but later returned to the coven of her own free will.
- To some extent, adults can choose of their own free will whether to deal with their grief or not.
- Without any reason he left the Firm of his own free will and went to live in Brighton.
- He's lost a lot of weight, but he's not home free yet.
- Despite giving full rein to Laura's inner struggles and torments, Fuentes is far more interested in the grand scale.
- So, goes the conspiracy, the Foreign Office can now give free rein to its instinctive Arabism.
- The result has been that recent chancellors have been able to give free rein to their tax-reforming ambitions.
- You'd be given free rein to run the show how you wanted it.
- I would discuss the script, say, on proportional representation, and then give him free rein.
- No, it was thanks to my culinary abilities that Marie-Claude gave me free rein of both her kitchen and her bedchamber.
- Such as he can not comprehend that which prompts others to give their heart free rein!
- Then I pretty much give them free rein.
- While watching him at work she impulsively asked to borrow his materials and followed his advice to give her imagination free rein.
- The father, be he absentee or abusive, gets off scot-free.
- After six years in prison, Louis was set free.
- New laws to create a smoke-free environment at work and in public places.
- The freedom of the individual is important; everyone is entitled to a smoke-free environment.
- Ferguson walked free after the charges were dropped.
- If more evidence isn't found, Harris will walk.
- Some prisons are so overcrowded that convicted felons are allowed to walk free.
- But they walked free from Bristol Crown Court after the judge ruled that there was no case to answer.
- Green Berets walk free from Salvador siege.
- He walked free from court after after it was revealed that a detective in the case was sleeping with his first wife.
- Heather Mallender's murderer walks free - that sort of thing.
- Now she will have to spend another three years behind bars instead of walking free in 11 months' time.
- Or Kevin and Ian Maxwell, who walked free after a trial costing upwards of £25 million?
- Our courts and prisons are so overcrowded that convicted felons walk free.
- Adam closed the front door and stood there for a moment as if he could not wrench himself away.
- Claws snagged on the photographer's clothing, but he managed to wrench himself away.
- Without you white birds would wrench themselves free from my paintings and fly off dripping blood into the night.
WORD FAMILYnounfreebiefreedomadverbfreefreelyadjectivefreeverbfree
1no cost something that is free does not cost you any money: Admission is free for children under 9. All students are offered free accommodation. Send for our free information pack for more details. There’s a special free gift with this month’s magazine.2not a prisoner not held, tied up, or kept somewhere as a prisoner: He knew he could be free in as little as three years. With one leap he was free! He walked out of the courtroom a free man. They have called on the government to set all political prisoners free. He was found not guilty and walked free from the court. The animals are allowed to run free in the park. Hundreds of dogs roam free on the streets.break/pull/struggle free She broke free from her attacker.3not controlled allowed to do or say whatever you want, or allowed to happen, without being controlled or restricted by anyone or anything: We had a free and open discussion about religion.free to do something Remember, you are free to say no.free from Newspapers today are entirely free from government control. Women are struggling to break free from tradition.free of I longed to be free of my family. He became president following the country’s first free elections last year. We would all support the principle of free speech. For the first time in its history, the country has a free press. Patients are now allowed free access to their medical records. The legislation will allow the free movement of goods through all the countries in Europe.4not busy if you are free, or have some free time, you have no work, and nothing else that you must do: I’m free next weekend.free for Are you free for lunch tomorrow?free to do something At last I was free to concentrate on my own research.a free day/morning/half-hour etc I haven’t got a free day this week. Children these days have very little free time.5not being used something that is free is available to use because it is not already being used: Is this seat free? I’m afraid we don’t have any free tables this evening. He used his free hand to open the door.► see thesaurus at empty6not suffering not suffering from somethingfree of At last she was free of pain.free from A lot of the patients are now free from symptoms.pain-free/trouble-free etc a stress-free life7not containing something not containing somethingfree from/of All our drinks are free from artificial colourings.fat-free/dairy-free etc a fat-free yoghurt8tax if something is free of tax, you do not have to pay tax on itfree of This income should be free of tax.tax-free/duty-free etc tax-free earnings an opportunity to buy duty-free goods9feel free spoken used to tell someone that they can do something: Feel free to ask questions. ‘Can I use your bathroom?’ ‘Yes, feel free.’10free and easy relaxed, friendly, and without many rules: I knew that life wasn’t going to be so free and easy now. the free and easy atmosphere of university life11free spirit someone who lives as they want to rather than in the way that society considers normal12give somebody a free hand/rein to let someone do whatever they want or need to do in a particular situation: The producer was given a free rein with the script.13there’s no free lunch (also there’s no such thing as a free lunch) used to say that you should not expect to get something good without having to pay for it or make any effort14it’s a free country British English used, usually humorously, to say that you are or should be allowed to do something, after someone has said that you should not do it: It’s a free country. You can’t stop me.15get/take a free ride informal to get something without paying for it or working for it, because other people are paying or working for it: They are encouraging all workers to join the union rather than just taking a free ride on those who do join.16be free with something to be very generous with something: He seems to be very free with other people’s money. She is always free with her advice.17make free with something informal to use something that belongs to someone else when you should not: I knew that they had been making free with our food.18not restricted something that is free is not held, blocked, or restricted: We opened both doors to allow a free flow of air through the building.19chemicals technical a free chemical substance is not combined with any other substance: the amount of free oxygen in the atmosphereTHESAURUSfree something that is free does not cost you any money: · Parking is free after 6 pm.· ‘How much is it to get into the concert?’ ‘Oh, I think it’s free.’· They were giving away free tickets for the concert.· I’m saving these tokens to get a free poster.for nothing/for free without having to pay for something that you would normally have to pay for: · He offered to fix the car for nothing.· Fans were allowed into the stadium for nothing as a way of celebrating.· Children under five can see the show for free.at no extra cost if a shop or company provides an additional service at no extra cost, they do it without asking you for any more money: · The shop will install the cooker for you at no extra cost.· Tours of the city are available from the hotel at no extra cost.complimentary [only before noun] free – use this about things that a company, theatre, hotel etc gives people: · Karen’s sister works at the New York Ballet and she’s managed to get us some complimentary tickets.· Honeymooners receive a complimentary bottle of champagne in their hotel room.be on the house if food or drinks are on the house, the owner of a bar or restaurant says you do not have to pay for them: · These drinks are on the house.gratis especially written without having to pay for something: · Users will be able to listen to tracks (=songs)gratis.free1 adjectivefree2 verbfree3 adverbfree4 noun
freefree2 ●●● W3 verb (past tense and past participle freed, present participle freeing) [transitive] VERB TABLE
free
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | free |
| he, she, it | frees | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | freed |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have freed |
| he, she, it | has freed | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had freed |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will free |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have freed |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am freeing |
| he, she, it | is freeing | |
| you, we, they | are freeing | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was freeing |
| you, we, they | were freeing | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been freeing |
| he, she, it | has been freeing | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been freeing |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be freeing |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been freeing |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- After being freed Tuesday, the whale swam toward the ocean.
- He joined the resistance movement in order to free his country from the enemy.
- His supporters are demanding that he be freed from prison.
- Kirk battled for eight hours to free himself from the wreckage.
- Many of these young offenders should have been freed a long time ago.
- Susan managed to free her right hand from her attacker with a violent twisting movement.
- The allies arrived in Brussels on September 3rd and Antwerp was freed the next day.
- The dolphins will be freed into the ocean once their injuries have healed.
- The horse's eyes were filled with terror as it struggled to free itself from the deep, sucking mud.
- The kidnappers freed the last two hostages unharmed.
- Try freeing some memory by shutting down a few applications.
- We're going to need some rope to help free the girl.
- Working from home will free up more time to spend with your family.
- A strange light frightens her, and she screams to be freed from the room, falling unconscious when escape is denied.
- She and her fellow students were told that their mission was to free the peasants from feudalism.
Longman Language Activatornot costing any money
something that is free costs no money: · Parking is free after 6 pm.· "How much is it to get into the concert?" "Oh, I think it's free."· The clinic offers free advice on contraception.· I'm saving these tokens to get a free poster.
to be free: · Luckily I was insured, so the treatment didn't cost anything.cost nothing/not cost anything to do something: · It doesn't cost anything to get advice from them.· The competition costs nothing to enter, just send a postcard with your name and address.
without having to pay for something that you would normally have to pay for: · He offered to fix the car for nothing.· Fans were allowed into the stadium for nothing as a way of celebrating.· Children under five can see the show for free.
without having to pay - used especially in advertisements and official notices: · Guests can park free of charge all day.· Copies of the leaflet can be obtained free of charge from your local library.· This policy ensures that you get emergency medical treatment free of charge when travelling abroad.
if there is no charge for a service that someone provides, you do not have to pay for it: · "How much is the prescription?'' "No charge -- students are exempt from payment.''· Entry to the museum costs £3, but there is no charge on Wednesdays and Sundays.no charge for: · There is no charge for cashing these travellers' cheques.
if drinks or meals are on the house , they are given to you by the owner of the bar or restaurant that you are in and you do not have to pay for them: · On New Year's Eve, he offered a glass of champagne to everyone, on the house.· The owner let us have the first bottle of wine on the house.
if a service is provided at no cost to someone, they do not have to pay for it: · The Helpline provides advice on all types of personal problems at no cost to the caller.· Treatment at the health center is available at no cost to students.
if a shop or a company provides an additional service at no extra cost, they do it without asking you for any more money: · Many activities are available at the hotel at no extra cost, but theatre trips and excursions are not included.at no extra cost to: · The store is offering to install satellite dishes at no extra cost to the buyer.
especially written provided without payment: · His work for the church is performed gratis.· You can see some local bands at local clubs absolutely gratis.
something that is given free by a company use this about things that a company, theatre, hotel etc gives people for free: · Karen's sister works at the New York Ballet and she's managed to get us some complimentary tickets.· Honeymooners receive a complimentary bottle of champagne in their hotel room.
something that is given free by a shop or a company, especially in order to advertise its products or to encourage you to buy something else: · Buy three skincare products and you can choose your super free gift.· We came back from the tour round the factory loaded down with free gifts.
informal something a company gives free with its products, or gives to the people it employs: · "Where did you get that calendar?'' "It was a freebie from work."· Most airlines offer freebies to children traveling on their planes.
allowed to do what you want allowed or able to do what you want, without being restricted by rules or by other people: · I had just left home, and was enjoying the feeling of being free and independent at last.free to do something: · During "Golden Time", the pupils are free to choose the activity they would like to do.
formal to be free to do something, especially because someone has given you official permission or you have the right to do it: · The Secretary of State told reporters, "I am not at liberty to get into the details of the proposal."· You are quite at liberty to make an official complaint if you wish.
if you can travel, speak, operate etc freely , you can do it as much as you like and in whatever way you like, without anyone trying to stop you: · For most of the year, farmers allow the sheep to roam freely on the hillsides.· In England he could write freely, without fear of arrest.· TV companies need the ability to operate freely, with the minimum of government interference,
especially spoken to do what you want to do, especially when these are not the same things as other people generally do: · As a kid, I wanted to do my own thing, but when I got older I realized I wanted to continue the family business.· The three women worked together on a stage play, and then each went off to do her own thing.
activities or actions that are not restricted · This computer program assures the free movement of facts, figures, and text between files.· Bulgaria's first free elections were held in 1990.free market (=a system in which prices and trade are not controlled by the government) · Things like health and education cannot be left to the free market.free speech (=the right to say or write what you want) · All Americans have the right of free speech.a free press (=when newspapers are not controlled by the government) · Activists were calling for a free press and political reforms.
not restricted by any rules or orders: · Reporters were later given unrestricted access to the evidence in the case.· The U.N. demanded unrestricted searches for weapons within the country.· Most countries do not permit unrestricted immigration.
if an activity or event is open , anyone can take part in it: · The military government has agreed to hold open elections next year.· We are holding an open competition to find a name for our new ship.
not restricted by time, length, subject etc: · The summit meeting was intended to be wide-ranging and open-ended.· As well as practice exercises, students should be encouraged to do more open-ended activities.
the right to do what you want the right to do what you want without being controlled or restricted, especially by a government or by someone in authority: · There was a huge party at the Berlin Wall as East Germans celebrated their freedom.· Teachers in the special program have a greater amount of freedom in what they teach.freedom to do something: · People here have the freedom to practise whatever religion they like.freedom of speech/choice/expression etc: · In a country where freedom of speech is guaranteed, citizens should expect to hear ideas with which they disagree.freedom from: · The constitution guarantees freedom from persecution on grounds of race, sex, or sexuality.
a person's legal right to do what they want, without being unfairly controlled or restricted by the government: · They were fighting for liberty and equality.· Many people think that compulsory ID cards interfere with personal liberty.
when someone is allowed to do something in the way that they want, without being told what to do: · Some government agencies will be run like private companies, with a free hand when it comes to rules on hiring, buying equipment, etc.give somebody a free hand: · He was given a remarkably free hand in making all the arrangements.
a country or system of government in which people have freedom a free country, political system, or society is one in which people are allowed to live their lives in the way that they choose, express their opinions freely, take part in political activity etc: · We will continue our struggle until our country is free.· They were able to return to visit their family in a free Czech Republic.· Sometimes you realize how lucky you are to live in a free society.
a liberal society or system is one in which people have the right to express their own opinions, live their own way of life, have their own religious beliefs etc, even if these are different from those of most other people: · In a liberal society you may have the right to express your own beliefs, but not necessarily to cause offence to other people.· In the 1840s, President Herrera promoted a policy of gradual liberal reform in Mexico.
to make a country free to remove the control or authority of a strict or unfair system of government from a country: · He joined the resistance movement in order to free his country from the enemy.· The allies arrived in Brussels on September 3rd and Antwerp was freed the next day.
if an army liberates a country, it enters that country and defeats the foreign army and government that controlled it: · Algeria was liberated from France in 1962.· Poland, the Czech Republic, and other countries liberated from Soviet rule have done very well economically.
not in prison not in prison, or not being kept somewhere by force: · He was free again, after 10 long years in jail.· The hostages are now free after their five-day ordeal.· The rapist was sentenced to five years in prison, but he could be free in 18 months.
no longer in prison because you have been allowed to leave: · Peters could be out in as little as 3 years.get out: · Her husband gets out of jail next week.
if a criminal is at liberty , he or she is not in prison because the police cannot catch them: · Tonight only one of the escaped prisoners remains at liberty; the other seven are now back in Central Prison.· Walker was at liberty for many years before the police apprehended him.
when you are not in prison or not being kept somewhere by force: · One of the protesters was arrested again after only 48 hours of freedom.· The negotiations led to freedom for the eight hostages.
to let someone leave prison to let someone leave prison: · McKay moved to Newcastle after being released from prison.· They released ten political prisoners last year.
to let someone leave a place where they are being kept by force: · The hostages were set free last night.· The Emancipation Proclamation, in 1863, set the American slaves free.
to let someone leave a place where they are being kept, especially a prison: · Lusani hopes to be let out early.let sb out of: · She was let out of prison to attend her daughter's funeral.
to allow someone to leave a place where they have been kept by force for a short time: · Due to a lack of evidence against the suspect, the police had to let the prisoner go.· I just kept praying that the man would let me go.
to allow someone who is a prisoner or being kept somewhere to be free: · Many of these young offenders should have been freed a long time ago.free from: · His supporters are demanding that he be freed from prison.free into: · The dolphins will be freed into the ocean once their injuries have healed.
time when you can do what you want time when you can do what you want, because you are not working or studying: · Now that she's retired she has plenty of free time.· On Wednesday afternoons most of the students have free time.spend your free time (doing something): · Theo spends his free time doing volunteer work.in your free time: · In his limited free time, Carson likes to take his family skiing.
time when you have finished what you have to do or are expected to do, so that you can do what you want: · Mothers with young babies rarely have much spare time.in your spare time: · She's studying for a degree in her spare time.spend your spare time (doing something): · How do you spend your spare time?· Penny spends her spare time writing letters and emailing friends.
time when you are officially allowed not to be at your place of work or study: · All employees are allowed time off for doctor's appointments.· She hasn't had any time off for six months.· I'll need some extra time off for revision.time off work/school etc: · Americans get much less time off work than European workers.
time when you are not working, studying etc and can do activities that you enjoy: · Very often, retired people need to be taught how to use and enjoy their leisure time.· If I have a moment of leisure, I go to the movies.in your leisure time: · In his leisure time he visits museums and art galleries.leisure (time) activities: · tourism, sightseeing, and other leisure time activities· Reading was one of the most popular leisure activities.
time when you stop what you are doing, especially in order to rest: · Taking time out just to relax each day is important for busy working people.
when you are not busy and have free time if you are free at a particular time, you are not busy and there is nothing that you have to do: · Are you free this weekend?· I'm free on Wednesday evening, if you want to go out to dinner then.
also not have anything on British spoken to not have arranged to do anything at a particular time: · I don't think we have anything on next Tuesday, do we?· We don't have anything planned yet for Christmas; we might go to my parents'.
if you do something at (your) leisure , you do it when you are not busy and have time to do it without hurrying: · Take a brochure home to read at your leisure.· Sixty cars will be displayed, and potential buyers will be able to inspect them at leisure.
to get rid of harmful ideas or influences to get rid of something bad or harmful so that they no longer exist in a place or organization: · Scientists hope to one day rid the world of this terrible disease.· McCarthy wanted to rid America of the "evils of Communism".· I can't seem to rid my mind of what happened on the day of the accident.
to get rid of ideas, behaviour, influences etc that are considered bad or harmful and have been present for a very long time: · Neighbourhood Watch schemes have succeeded in virtually freeing the area of crime.· Aid organisations are trying to free the country of the ravages of two decades of civil war.
to get rid of beliefs, ideas or feelings from people's minds, especially if they are false or harmful: dispel rumours/notions/doubts etc: · The Central Bank attempted to dispel rumours of a possible financial crisis.· In an interview Monday, the Foreign Affairs Secretary tried to dispel doubts about his handling of the crisis.
to move something or someone that is difficult to move · I tried to open the door, but I couldn't move it an inch.· The sculpture is heavy and very difficult to move.
British informal to move something, especially something large or heavy, from a position in which it is stuck: · The sofa is stuck in the doorway and I can't shift it.· There's no point trying to shift the car by ourselves -- we'll have to get a truck to pull us out.
to move something or someone from a position in which they are stuck or being held, especially with a sudden forceful movement: · We're going to need some rope to help free the girl.free somebody/something from something: · Kirk battled for eight hours to free himself from the wreckage.· Susan managed to free her right hand from her attacker with a violent twisting movement.struggle to free yourself: · The horse's eyes were filled with terror as it struggled to free itself from the deep, sucking mud.
to move something such as part of a machine from a position in which it is stuck or tightly fastened: · The bolts can only be released with a wrench.· Try to release the clamp gently.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES The cost includes free admission to the casinos. Ten years ago I was footloose and fancy-free. They have accused the government of trying to block the free flow of information. When the kids leave home, you’ll be footloose and fancy-free (=free and without worries). I got a few games free when I bought my computer. The great ship slipped her moorings and slid out into the Atlantic. a nuclear-free zone The dog wriggled free and ran off.
The cost includes free admission to the casinos. (=be allowed to stay out of prison if you pay or agree to do something)· The men were questioned yesterday before being released on bail.
(=with no alcohol in it)· I'll bring some alcohol-free beer.
(=with no cost)· Delivery is free of charge.
(=from a chicken that moved around outside and ate naturally)· All the chicken we serve is free-range.
· Students have an entirely free choice of what to study at university.
· Summer vacation is a time when children are freed from the constraints of routine.
(=not be limited by them)· No film producers are free from the constraints of censorship.
(=where people’s actions are not too restricted)· You can go where you like – it’s a free country.
(=with no interest added to it)· We offer interest-free credit for up to 50 weeks.
(=you do not pay extra for it)· We offer free delivery anywhere in the UK.· Delivery is free for purchases over £20.
(=based on companies producing and selling products freely, without restrictions)· Eastern European countries were gradually making the transition to a market economy.
(=with everyone allowed to vote for who they want)· These will be the country’s first free multi-party elections.
· Guests have free entry to the hotel spa and gym.· Entry is free for children.
Ten years ago I was footloose and fancy-free. They have accused the government of trying to block the free flow of information. When the kids leave home, you’ll be footloose and fancy-free (=free and without worries). I got a few games free when I bought my computer. (=something that a shop or business gives you)· If you spend over £50, you get a free gift.
(=that you do not pay tax on when you bring them into a country)· What is the permitted amount of duty-free goods?
(=the hand someone is not already using)· Amy was stroking the dog with her free hand.
(=on which you pay no interest)· They offer an interest-free loan for two years.
The great ship slipped her moorings and slid out into the Atlantic. a nuclear-free zone (=reporters whose reports are not restricted by the government)· I am glad that we have a free press in this country.
· Hundreds of prisoners were released.
· Giving away samples is one way of getting free publicity for your products.
· Excuse me, is this seat free?
· Censorship has no place in a free society.
· He spends all this free time watching television.
(=one that is not very exact)· It’s a rough translation but I think the meaning is clear.
· She had to be cut free from the wreckage by firemen.
The dog wriggled free and ran off. (=where nuclear weapons, smoking etc is not allowed)· The county council offices are a smoke-free zone.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB· It will free up some screen real estate.· Only 24 percent said the slowdown in building activity had freed up enough planners and inspectors to speed up processing time.· Still, speedy resolution of some cases could free up those vital human resources for more complicated ones.· He wants massive cuts in defense spending to free up federal revenue for schools, health care and domestic programs.· Now these students will be able to use the time freed up by dropping GCSEs to focus on practical skills.· Occasionally, I apply diluted fish emulsion to free up useful elements in the soil.· In 1989, then Environment Secretary Nicholas Ridley aimed to free up the rental market by abolishing rent controls.· Mission-driven budgets free up resources to test new ideas.
NOUN· In a last desperate attempt to free himself of investigation, Nixon dismissed the special prosecutor Cox in October 1973.· FitzAlan ignored this attempt to free herself, as he had all the others.· He shook his head vigorously in an attempt to free himself of the gloomy feeling which oppressed him.
· He must free himself from the control of any established church and its priests and instead subordinate them to the State.· Political, economic, and scientific functions had gradually freed themselves from religious control.
· They freed their hostages, including the ambassador, and left the embassy peacefully on Oct. 7.· A deal to free the hostages fell through, apparently because their release would have left the rebels without bargaining power.
· Last Friday Jacqueline Fletcher was freed from prison.· There, surprised Felix Holt finds her when he is freed from prison.
· In three days of releases in early September 465 prisoners were reported to have been freed.· The rules are simple in that all you have to do is to move the blocks around to free the prisoner.· It worried Lord Auckland that a court could now refuse to free a prisoner whom his creditor wished to see released.· Farc commanders said the freed prisoners would not return to combat.· She had decided not to free the prisoners, so now she had to see what happened to the passengers.
· On the year of jubilee all slaves are freed, all debts are cancelled and the land lies fallow.
· That struggle to free the Democrats from outdated thinking has demanded more political courage than Clinton is usually credited with.
VERB· Aird, was caught in the rigging wires and was nearly drowned until Jack managed to free him.· Stanton later managed to free himself, called police and told them his stolen car was equipped with a tracking device.· Using his hands to steady himself, he managed to free his leg from the sucking morass.· He managed to free himself only when an ambulance team talked him into trying to wiggle his fingers.· A fire crew from the town's station were called to the scene and they managed to free him within minutes.· Inside the car, he managed to free some of his bonds.
· What moral blight upon the fair youth or our city will they offer to free us from next, I wonder.
· The Olympians were reluctant to try to free him by force.· Both boats then reversed in front of me and two people from each boat set about the bridge, trying to free it.· I tried to free it, using the cloth I had brought up from the hall to gain a better purchase.· He was still holding her face, trying to free her hair from its clip so it could tumble down.· Then I was pushed against Sir Oswald, whom I saw trying to free himself.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► there’s no (such thing as a) free lunch► an independent/positive/free etc thinker
- "Can I use the microwave?" "Oh, feel free."
- "I hope you don't mind if I use your phone." "Of course not. Feel free."
- Please feel free to stop me and ask questions whenever you like.
- But she tells me she still does not feel free.
- Help him or her feel free to talk.
- How did you say you felt free for the first time in your life?
- I felt free in a new way.
- If not, feel free to discard them and draw your own.
- If you should wish to look inside the packet, before sending it, feel free to do so.
- So he felt free to go for broke.
- So how is it they feel free to ask those parallel questions of other people?
- Bronson gave us his confession of his own free will.
- For all men serve him of their own free will.
- Her mouth opened of its own free will to his playfully probing tongue, welcoming the invader.
- I came back of my own free will on Friday, and went to the game yesterday.
- I say this of my own free will.
- She was placed in a safe house but later returned to the coven of her own free will.
- To some extent, adults can choose of their own free will whether to deal with their grief or not.
- Without any reason he left the Firm of his own free will and went to live in Brighton.
- He's lost a lot of weight, but he's not home free yet.
- Despite giving full rein to Laura's inner struggles and torments, Fuentes is far more interested in the grand scale.
- So, goes the conspiracy, the Foreign Office can now give free rein to its instinctive Arabism.
- The result has been that recent chancellors have been able to give free rein to their tax-reforming ambitions.
- You'd be given free rein to run the show how you wanted it.
- I would discuss the script, say, on proportional representation, and then give him free rein.
- No, it was thanks to my culinary abilities that Marie-Claude gave me free rein of both her kitchen and her bedchamber.
- Such as he can not comprehend that which prompts others to give their heart free rein!
- Then I pretty much give them free rein.
- While watching him at work she impulsively asked to borrow his materials and followed his advice to give her imagination free rein.
- The father, be he absentee or abusive, gets off scot-free.
- After six years in prison, Louis was set free.
- New laws to create a smoke-free environment at work and in public places.
- The freedom of the individual is important; everyone is entitled to a smoke-free environment.
- Ferguson walked free after the charges were dropped.
- If more evidence isn't found, Harris will walk.
- Some prisons are so overcrowded that convicted felons are allowed to walk free.
- But they walked free from Bristol Crown Court after the judge ruled that there was no case to answer.
- Green Berets walk free from Salvador siege.
- He walked free from court after after it was revealed that a detective in the case was sleeping with his first wife.
- Heather Mallender's murderer walks free - that sort of thing.
- Now she will have to spend another three years behind bars instead of walking free in 11 months' time.
- Or Kevin and Ian Maxwell, who walked free after a trial costing upwards of £25 million?
- Our courts and prisons are so overcrowded that convicted felons walk free.
- Adam closed the front door and stood there for a moment as if he could not wrench himself away.
- Claws snagged on the photographer's clothing, but he managed to wrench himself away.
- Without you white birds would wrench themselves free from my paintings and fly off dripping blood into the night.
WORD FAMILYnounfreebiefreedomadverbfreefreelyadjectivefreeverbfree
1release to allow someone to leave prison or somewhere they have been kept as a prisoner SYN release: He expects to be freed quite soon. The terrorists have at last agreed to free the hostages.free somebody from something She was freed from prison last week.2not control to allow someone to say and do what they want, after controlling or restricting them in the pastfree somebody from/of something The press has now been freed from political control. She longed to be freed of her responsibilities. Art frees the imagination.3allow somebody/something to move to move someone or something so that they are no longer held, fixed, or trapped SYN release: He struggled to free himself, but the ropes were too tight. I couldn’t free the safety catch.free somebody/something from something All the victims have now been freed from the wreckage.4stop somebody suffering to stop someone suffering from something by removing itfree somebody from something new drugs that can free people from pain At last the country has been freed from its enormous debts.5make available (also free something ↔ up) to make something available so that it can be used: I need to free up some of the disk space on my computer. This should free some money for investment.6give somebody more time (also free somebody ↔ up) to give someone time to do something by taking away other jobs that they have to dofree somebody (up) to do something Taking away the burden of administration will free teachers to concentrate on teaching. We have freed up some staff to deal with the backlog of work.free1 adjectivefree2 verbfree3 adverbfree4 noun
freefree3 ●●● S3 adverb EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- They will provide credit reports free to consumers once a year.
- Why was this guy walking around free?
Longman Language Activatornot costing any money
something that is free costs no money: · Parking is free after 6 pm.· "How much is it to get into the concert?" "Oh, I think it's free."· The clinic offers free advice on contraception.· I'm saving these tokens to get a free poster.
to be free: · Luckily I was insured, so the treatment didn't cost anything.cost nothing/not cost anything to do something: · It doesn't cost anything to get advice from them.· The competition costs nothing to enter, just send a postcard with your name and address.
without having to pay for something that you would normally have to pay for: · He offered to fix the car for nothing.· Fans were allowed into the stadium for nothing as a way of celebrating.· Children under five can see the show for free.
without having to pay - used especially in advertisements and official notices: · Guests can park free of charge all day.· Copies of the leaflet can be obtained free of charge from your local library.· This policy ensures that you get emergency medical treatment free of charge when travelling abroad.
if there is no charge for a service that someone provides, you do not have to pay for it: · "How much is the prescription?'' "No charge -- students are exempt from payment.''· Entry to the museum costs £3, but there is no charge on Wednesdays and Sundays.no charge for: · There is no charge for cashing these travellers' cheques.
if drinks or meals are on the house , they are given to you by the owner of the bar or restaurant that you are in and you do not have to pay for them: · On New Year's Eve, he offered a glass of champagne to everyone, on the house.· The owner let us have the first bottle of wine on the house.
if a service is provided at no cost to someone, they do not have to pay for it: · The Helpline provides advice on all types of personal problems at no cost to the caller.· Treatment at the health center is available at no cost to students.
if a shop or a company provides an additional service at no extra cost, they do it without asking you for any more money: · Many activities are available at the hotel at no extra cost, but theatre trips and excursions are not included.at no extra cost to: · The store is offering to install satellite dishes at no extra cost to the buyer.
especially written provided without payment: · His work for the church is performed gratis.· You can see some local bands at local clubs absolutely gratis.
something that is given free by a company use this about things that a company, theatre, hotel etc gives people for free: · Karen's sister works at the New York Ballet and she's managed to get us some complimentary tickets.· Honeymooners receive a complimentary bottle of champagne in their hotel room.
something that is given free by a shop or a company, especially in order to advertise its products or to encourage you to buy something else: · Buy three skincare products and you can choose your super free gift.· We came back from the tour round the factory loaded down with free gifts.
informal something a company gives free with its products, or gives to the people it employs: · "Where did you get that calendar?'' "It was a freebie from work."· Most airlines offer freebies to children traveling on their planes.
allowed to do what you want allowed or able to do what you want, without being restricted by rules or by other people: · I had just left home, and was enjoying the feeling of being free and independent at last.free to do something: · During "Golden Time", the pupils are free to choose the activity they would like to do.
formal to be free to do something, especially because someone has given you official permission or you have the right to do it: · The Secretary of State told reporters, "I am not at liberty to get into the details of the proposal."· You are quite at liberty to make an official complaint if you wish.
if you can travel, speak, operate etc freely , you can do it as much as you like and in whatever way you like, without anyone trying to stop you: · For most of the year, farmers allow the sheep to roam freely on the hillsides.· In England he could write freely, without fear of arrest.· TV companies need the ability to operate freely, with the minimum of government interference,
especially spoken to do what you want to do, especially when these are not the same things as other people generally do: · As a kid, I wanted to do my own thing, but when I got older I realized I wanted to continue the family business.· The three women worked together on a stage play, and then each went off to do her own thing.
activities or actions that are not restricted · This computer program assures the free movement of facts, figures, and text between files.· Bulgaria's first free elections were held in 1990.free market (=a system in which prices and trade are not controlled by the government) · Things like health and education cannot be left to the free market.free speech (=the right to say or write what you want) · All Americans have the right of free speech.a free press (=when newspapers are not controlled by the government) · Activists were calling for a free press and political reforms.
not restricted by any rules or orders: · Reporters were later given unrestricted access to the evidence in the case.· The U.N. demanded unrestricted searches for weapons within the country.· Most countries do not permit unrestricted immigration.
if an activity or event is open , anyone can take part in it: · The military government has agreed to hold open elections next year.· We are holding an open competition to find a name for our new ship.
not restricted by time, length, subject etc: · The summit meeting was intended to be wide-ranging and open-ended.· As well as practice exercises, students should be encouraged to do more open-ended activities.
the right to do what you want the right to do what you want without being controlled or restricted, especially by a government or by someone in authority: · There was a huge party at the Berlin Wall as East Germans celebrated their freedom.· Teachers in the special program have a greater amount of freedom in what they teach.freedom to do something: · People here have the freedom to practise whatever religion they like.freedom of speech/choice/expression etc: · In a country where freedom of speech is guaranteed, citizens should expect to hear ideas with which they disagree.freedom from: · The constitution guarantees freedom from persecution on grounds of race, sex, or sexuality.
a person's legal right to do what they want, without being unfairly controlled or restricted by the government: · They were fighting for liberty and equality.· Many people think that compulsory ID cards interfere with personal liberty.
when someone is allowed to do something in the way that they want, without being told what to do: · Some government agencies will be run like private companies, with a free hand when it comes to rules on hiring, buying equipment, etc.give somebody a free hand: · He was given a remarkably free hand in making all the arrangements.
a country or system of government in which people have freedom a free country, political system, or society is one in which people are allowed to live their lives in the way that they choose, express their opinions freely, take part in political activity etc: · We will continue our struggle until our country is free.· They were able to return to visit their family in a free Czech Republic.· Sometimes you realize how lucky you are to live in a free society.
a liberal society or system is one in which people have the right to express their own opinions, live their own way of life, have their own religious beliefs etc, even if these are different from those of most other people: · In a liberal society you may have the right to express your own beliefs, but not necessarily to cause offence to other people.· In the 1840s, President Herrera promoted a policy of gradual liberal reform in Mexico.
to make a country free to remove the control or authority of a strict or unfair system of government from a country: · He joined the resistance movement in order to free his country from the enemy.· The allies arrived in Brussels on September 3rd and Antwerp was freed the next day.
if an army liberates a country, it enters that country and defeats the foreign army and government that controlled it: · Algeria was liberated from France in 1962.· Poland, the Czech Republic, and other countries liberated from Soviet rule have done very well economically.
not in prison not in prison, or not being kept somewhere by force: · He was free again, after 10 long years in jail.· The hostages are now free after their five-day ordeal.· The rapist was sentenced to five years in prison, but he could be free in 18 months.
no longer in prison because you have been allowed to leave: · Peters could be out in as little as 3 years.get out: · Her husband gets out of jail next week.
if a criminal is at liberty , he or she is not in prison because the police cannot catch them: · Tonight only one of the escaped prisoners remains at liberty; the other seven are now back in Central Prison.· Walker was at liberty for many years before the police apprehended him.
when you are not in prison or not being kept somewhere by force: · One of the protesters was arrested again after only 48 hours of freedom.· The negotiations led to freedom for the eight hostages.
to let someone leave prison to let someone leave prison: · McKay moved to Newcastle after being released from prison.· They released ten political prisoners last year.
to let someone leave a place where they are being kept by force: · The hostages were set free last night.· The Emancipation Proclamation, in 1863, set the American slaves free.
to let someone leave a place where they are being kept, especially a prison: · Lusani hopes to be let out early.let sb out of: · She was let out of prison to attend her daughter's funeral.
to allow someone to leave a place where they have been kept by force for a short time: · Due to a lack of evidence against the suspect, the police had to let the prisoner go.· I just kept praying that the man would let me go.
to allow someone who is a prisoner or being kept somewhere to be free: · Many of these young offenders should have been freed a long time ago.free from: · His supporters are demanding that he be freed from prison.free into: · The dolphins will be freed into the ocean once their injuries have healed.
time when you can do what you want time when you can do what you want, because you are not working or studying: · Now that she's retired she has plenty of free time.· On Wednesday afternoons most of the students have free time.spend your free time (doing something): · Theo spends his free time doing volunteer work.in your free time: · In his limited free time, Carson likes to take his family skiing.
time when you have finished what you have to do or are expected to do, so that you can do what you want: · Mothers with young babies rarely have much spare time.in your spare time: · She's studying for a degree in her spare time.spend your spare time (doing something): · How do you spend your spare time?· Penny spends her spare time writing letters and emailing friends.
time when you are officially allowed not to be at your place of work or study: · All employees are allowed time off for doctor's appointments.· She hasn't had any time off for six months.· I'll need some extra time off for revision.time off work/school etc: · Americans get much less time off work than European workers.
time when you are not working, studying etc and can do activities that you enjoy: · Very often, retired people need to be taught how to use and enjoy their leisure time.· If I have a moment of leisure, I go to the movies.in your leisure time: · In his leisure time he visits museums and art galleries.leisure (time) activities: · tourism, sightseeing, and other leisure time activities· Reading was one of the most popular leisure activities.
time when you stop what you are doing, especially in order to rest: · Taking time out just to relax each day is important for busy working people.
when you are not busy and have free time if you are free at a particular time, you are not busy and there is nothing that you have to do: · Are you free this weekend?· I'm free on Wednesday evening, if you want to go out to dinner then.
also not have anything on British spoken to not have arranged to do anything at a particular time: · I don't think we have anything on next Tuesday, do we?· We don't have anything planned yet for Christmas; we might go to my parents'.
if you do something at (your) leisure , you do it when you are not busy and have time to do it without hurrying: · Take a brochure home to read at your leisure.· Sixty cars will be displayed, and potential buyers will be able to inspect them at leisure.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY All these services are available to the public free of charge.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES The cost includes free admission to the casinos. Ten years ago I was footloose and fancy-free. They have accused the government of trying to block the free flow of information. When the kids leave home, you’ll be footloose and fancy-free (=free and without worries). I got a few games free when I bought my computer. The great ship slipped her moorings and slid out into the Atlantic. a nuclear-free zone The dog wriggled free and ran off.
All these services are available to the public free of charge. The cost includes free admission to the casinos. (=be allowed to stay out of prison if you pay or agree to do something)· The men were questioned yesterday before being released on bail.
(=with no alcohol in it)· I'll bring some alcohol-free beer.
(=with no cost)· Delivery is free of charge.
(=from a chicken that moved around outside and ate naturally)· All the chicken we serve is free-range.
· Students have an entirely free choice of what to study at university.
· Summer vacation is a time when children are freed from the constraints of routine.
(=not be limited by them)· No film producers are free from the constraints of censorship.
(=where people’s actions are not too restricted)· You can go where you like – it’s a free country.
(=with no interest added to it)· We offer interest-free credit for up to 50 weeks.
(=you do not pay extra for it)· We offer free delivery anywhere in the UK.· Delivery is free for purchases over £20.
(=based on companies producing and selling products freely, without restrictions)· Eastern European countries were gradually making the transition to a market economy.
(=with everyone allowed to vote for who they want)· These will be the country’s first free multi-party elections.
· Guests have free entry to the hotel spa and gym.· Entry is free for children.
Ten years ago I was footloose and fancy-free. They have accused the government of trying to block the free flow of information. When the kids leave home, you’ll be footloose and fancy-free (=free and without worries). I got a few games free when I bought my computer. (=something that a shop or business gives you)· If you spend over £50, you get a free gift.
(=that you do not pay tax on when you bring them into a country)· What is the permitted amount of duty-free goods?
(=the hand someone is not already using)· Amy was stroking the dog with her free hand.
(=on which you pay no interest)· They offer an interest-free loan for two years.
The great ship slipped her moorings and slid out into the Atlantic. a nuclear-free zone (=reporters whose reports are not restricted by the government)· I am glad that we have a free press in this country.
· Hundreds of prisoners were released.
· Giving away samples is one way of getting free publicity for your products.
· Excuse me, is this seat free?
· Censorship has no place in a free society.
· He spends all this free time watching television.
(=one that is not very exact)· It’s a rough translation but I think the meaning is clear.
· She had to be cut free from the wreckage by firemen.
The dog wriggled free and ran off. (=where nuclear weapons, smoking etc is not allowed)· The county council offices are a smoke-free zone.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSVERB· People who find a way to break free feel jubilant about their escape.· Did it mean that more bamboos were breaking free?
· He used to plead in court at the age of six to have his father set free.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► there’s no (such thing as a) free lunch► an independent/positive/free etc thinker
- "Can I use the microwave?" "Oh, feel free."
- "I hope you don't mind if I use your phone." "Of course not. Feel free."
- Please feel free to stop me and ask questions whenever you like.
- But she tells me she still does not feel free.
- Help him or her feel free to talk.
- How did you say you felt free for the first time in your life?
- I felt free in a new way.
- If not, feel free to discard them and draw your own.
- If you should wish to look inside the packet, before sending it, feel free to do so.
- So he felt free to go for broke.
- So how is it they feel free to ask those parallel questions of other people?
- Bronson gave us his confession of his own free will.
- For all men serve him of their own free will.
- Her mouth opened of its own free will to his playfully probing tongue, welcoming the invader.
- I came back of my own free will on Friday, and went to the game yesterday.
- I say this of my own free will.
- She was placed in a safe house but later returned to the coven of her own free will.
- To some extent, adults can choose of their own free will whether to deal with their grief or not.
- Without any reason he left the Firm of his own free will and went to live in Brighton.
- He's lost a lot of weight, but he's not home free yet.
- Despite giving full rein to Laura's inner struggles and torments, Fuentes is far more interested in the grand scale.
- So, goes the conspiracy, the Foreign Office can now give free rein to its instinctive Arabism.
- The result has been that recent chancellors have been able to give free rein to their tax-reforming ambitions.
- You'd be given free rein to run the show how you wanted it.
- I would discuss the script, say, on proportional representation, and then give him free rein.
- No, it was thanks to my culinary abilities that Marie-Claude gave me free rein of both her kitchen and her bedchamber.
- Such as he can not comprehend that which prompts others to give their heart free rein!
- Then I pretty much give them free rein.
- While watching him at work she impulsively asked to borrow his materials and followed his advice to give her imagination free rein.
- The father, be he absentee or abusive, gets off scot-free.
- After six years in prison, Louis was set free.
- New laws to create a smoke-free environment at work and in public places.
- The freedom of the individual is important; everyone is entitled to a smoke-free environment.
- Ferguson walked free after the charges were dropped.
- If more evidence isn't found, Harris will walk.
- Some prisons are so overcrowded that convicted felons are allowed to walk free.
- But they walked free from Bristol Crown Court after the judge ruled that there was no case to answer.
- Green Berets walk free from Salvador siege.
- He walked free from court after after it was revealed that a detective in the case was sleeping with his first wife.
- Heather Mallender's murderer walks free - that sort of thing.
- Now she will have to spend another three years behind bars instead of walking free in 11 months' time.
- Or Kevin and Ian Maxwell, who walked free after a trial costing upwards of £25 million?
- Our courts and prisons are so overcrowded that convicted felons walk free.
- Adam closed the front door and stood there for a moment as if he could not wrench himself away.
- Claws snagged on the photographer's clothing, but he managed to wrench himself away.
- Without you white birds would wrench themselves free from my paintings and fly off dripping blood into the night.
WORD FAMILYnounfreebiefreedomadverbfreefreelyadjectivefreeverbfree
1without payment: Children under four can travel free. You can get advice free from your local library.for free He offered to do the work for free. All these services are available to the public free of charge.2not fixed or held in a particular place or position: The ropes were now hanging free. A gold chain swung free around his neck. → freely, scot-freefree1 adjectivefree2 verbfree3 adverbfree4 noun
freefree4 noun [countable] British English informal COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES The cost includes free admission to the casinos. Ten years ago I was footloose and fancy-free. They have accused the government of trying to block the free flow of information. When the kids leave home, you’ll be footloose and fancy-free (=free and without worries). I got a few games free when I bought my computer. The great ship slipped her moorings and slid out into the Atlantic. a nuclear-free zone The dog wriggled free and ran off.
The cost includes free admission to the casinos. (=be allowed to stay out of prison if you pay or agree to do something)· The men were questioned yesterday before being released on bail.
(=with no alcohol in it)· I'll bring some alcohol-free beer.
(=with no cost)· Delivery is free of charge.
(=from a chicken that moved around outside and ate naturally)· All the chicken we serve is free-range.
· Students have an entirely free choice of what to study at university.
· Summer vacation is a time when children are freed from the constraints of routine.
(=not be limited by them)· No film producers are free from the constraints of censorship.
(=where people’s actions are not too restricted)· You can go where you like – it’s a free country.
(=with no interest added to it)· We offer interest-free credit for up to 50 weeks.
(=you do not pay extra for it)· We offer free delivery anywhere in the UK.· Delivery is free for purchases over £20.
(=based on companies producing and selling products freely, without restrictions)· Eastern European countries were gradually making the transition to a market economy.
(=with everyone allowed to vote for who they want)· These will be the country’s first free multi-party elections.
· Guests have free entry to the hotel spa and gym.· Entry is free for children.
Ten years ago I was footloose and fancy-free. They have accused the government of trying to block the free flow of information. When the kids leave home, you’ll be footloose and fancy-free (=free and without worries). I got a few games free when I bought my computer. (=something that a shop or business gives you)· If you spend over £50, you get a free gift.
(=that you do not pay tax on when you bring them into a country)· What is the permitted amount of duty-free goods?
(=the hand someone is not already using)· Amy was stroking the dog with her free hand.
(=on which you pay no interest)· They offer an interest-free loan for two years.
The great ship slipped her moorings and slid out into the Atlantic. a nuclear-free zone (=reporters whose reports are not restricted by the government)· I am glad that we have a free press in this country.
· Hundreds of prisoners were released.
· Giving away samples is one way of getting free publicity for your products.
· Excuse me, is this seat free?
· Censorship has no place in a free society.
· He spends all this free time watching television.
(=one that is not very exact)· It’s a rough translation but I think the meaning is clear.
· She had to be cut free from the wreckage by firemen.
The dog wriggled free and ran off. (=where nuclear weapons, smoking etc is not allowed)· The county council offices are a smoke-free zone.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► there’s no (such thing as a) free lunch► an independent/positive/free etc thinker
a free transfer; the process by which a player moves from one football club to another, but the new club does not pay any money for him: - "Can I use the microwave?" "Oh, feel free."
- "I hope you don't mind if I use your phone." "Of course not. Feel free."
- Please feel free to stop me and ask questions whenever you like.
- But she tells me she still does not feel free.
- Help him or her feel free to talk.
- How did you say you felt free for the first time in your life?
- I felt free in a new way.
- If not, feel free to discard them and draw your own.
- If you should wish to look inside the packet, before sending it, feel free to do so.
- So he felt free to go for broke.
- So how is it they feel free to ask those parallel questions of other people?
- Bronson gave us his confession of his own free will.
- For all men serve him of their own free will.
- Her mouth opened of its own free will to his playfully probing tongue, welcoming the invader.
- I came back of my own free will on Friday, and went to the game yesterday.
- I say this of my own free will.
- She was placed in a safe house but later returned to the coven of her own free will.
- To some extent, adults can choose of their own free will whether to deal with their grief or not.
- Without any reason he left the Firm of his own free will and went to live in Brighton.
- He's lost a lot of weight, but he's not home free yet.
- Despite giving full rein to Laura's inner struggles and torments, Fuentes is far more interested in the grand scale.
- So, goes the conspiracy, the Foreign Office can now give free rein to its instinctive Arabism.
- The result has been that recent chancellors have been able to give free rein to their tax-reforming ambitions.
- You'd be given free rein to run the show how you wanted it.
- I would discuss the script, say, on proportional representation, and then give him free rein.
- No, it was thanks to my culinary abilities that Marie-Claude gave me free rein of both her kitchen and her bedchamber.
- Such as he can not comprehend that which prompts others to give their heart free rein!
- Then I pretty much give them free rein.
- While watching him at work she impulsively asked to borrow his materials and followed his advice to give her imagination free rein.
- The father, be he absentee or abusive, gets off scot-free.
- After six years in prison, Louis was set free.
- New laws to create a smoke-free environment at work and in public places.
- The freedom of the individual is important; everyone is entitled to a smoke-free environment.
- Ferguson walked free after the charges were dropped.
- If more evidence isn't found, Harris will walk.
- Some prisons are so overcrowded that convicted felons are allowed to walk free.
- But they walked free from Bristol Crown Court after the judge ruled that there was no case to answer.
- Green Berets walk free from Salvador siege.
- He walked free from court after after it was revealed that a detective in the case was sleeping with his first wife.
- Heather Mallender's murderer walks free - that sort of thing.
- Now she will have to spend another three years behind bars instead of walking free in 11 months' time.
- Or Kevin and Ian Maxwell, who walked free after a trial costing upwards of £25 million?
- Our courts and prisons are so overcrowded that convicted felons walk free.
- Adam closed the front door and stood there for a moment as if he could not wrench himself away.
- Claws snagged on the photographer's clothing, but he managed to wrench himself away.
- Without you white birds would wrench themselves free from my paintings and fly off dripping blood into the night.
We got Kevin on a free from Manchester United.- convenor
- convent
- convention
- conventional
- conventionality
- conventionally
- conventioneer
- convent school
- converge
- convergent
- conversant
- conversation
- conversational
- conversationalist
- conversationally
- conversation piece
- converse
- conversely
- conversion
- conversion course
- convert
- converter
- convertibility
- convertible
- convex