- 1not under the control or in the power of someone else; able to do what you want I have no ambitions other than to have a happy life and be free. Students have a free choice of courses in their final year. free to do something You are free to come and go as you please. (informal) “Can I use the phone?” “Please, feel free (= of course you can use it).”
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- 2not restricted or controlled by anyone else; able to do or say what you want A true democracy complete with free speech and a free press was called for. the country's first free election They gave me free access to all the files.
- 3(of a person) not a prisoner or slave He walked out of jail a free man. animal/bird
- 4not tied up or in a cage The researchers set the birds free. no payment
- 5costing nothing Admission is free. free samples/tickets/advice We're offering a fabulous free gift with each copy you buy. You can't expect people to work for free (= without payment). not blocked
- 6clear; not blocked Ensure that there is a free flow of air around the machine. without something
- 7free from/of something not containing or affected by something harmful or unpleasant free from difficulty/doubt/fear free from artificial colors and flavorings It was several weeks before he was completely free of pain.
- 8-free (in adjectives) without the thing mentioned a virtually fat-free meal tax-free earnings a trouble-free life not attached/trapped
- 9free (of something) not attached to something or trapped by something Pull gently on the free end of the rope. They had to be cut free from their car after the accident. She finally managed to pull herself free. not being used
- 10not being used He held out his free hand and I took it. Is this seat free? not busy
- 11free (for something) (of a person or time) without particular plans or arrangements; not busy If Sarah is free for lunch I'll take her out. Keep Friday night free for my party. What do you like to do in your free time (= when you are not working)? ready to give
- 12free with something (often disapproving) ready to give something, especially when it is not wanted He's too free with his opinions.
- 13a free translation is not exact but gives the general meaning compare literal Idioms
not controlled
to have done something successfully, especially when it was difficult I could see the finish line and thought I was home free.
informal; relaxed Life was never going to be so free and easy again.
to get, have, etc. the opportunity to do what you want to do and to make your own decisions I was given a free hand in designing the syllabus.
to get or take something without paying because someone else is paying for it
give/allow somebody/something free/full rein, give/allow free/full rein to something jump to other results
used as a reply when someone suggests that you should not do something It's a free country; I'll say whatever I want!
used to say that it is not possible to get something for nothing
Check pronunciation: free