free

/fri/

Reviewed on

Also a verb and an adverb

Meaning

  1. Costing nothing or available without payment.

    • The museum offers free admission to students every Thursday afternoon.

    • Did you manage to get any free tickets to the concert?

  2. Not held in captivity, confinement, or under physical restraint.

    • The rescued eagle was finally healthy enough to be set free.

    • The dog slipped its leash and ran free across the park.

  3. Not busy, occupied, or scheduled with other commitments.

    • Are you free for lunch tomorrow around noon?

    • She spent her free afternoons reading novels in the park.

  4. Able to act or choose without being controlled by someone else.

    • After years of working for others, she finally felt free to run her own business.

    • Are students free to choose their own topics?

  5. Without the presence of an unwanted substance, obstacle, or harm.

    • The doctor recommended a diet completely free of artificial sweeteners.

    • Keep the hallway free from clutter so people can pass safely.

Collocations

  • free admission
  • free sample
  • set free
  • break free
  • free time
  • free speech
  • sugar free

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • costly
  • busy

Idioms

  • free and clear

    without any remaining debt or legal claim

    After making the final mortgage payment, they owned the house free and clear.

  • free rein

    unrestricted freedom of action

    The director gave the lead actor free rein to interpret the character.

  • get off scot-free

    to escape punishment completely

    Despite causing the accident, he got off scot-free due to lack of evidence.