freeness

free ► ADJECTIVE (freer, freest) 1) not under the control or in the power of another. 2) permitted to take a specified action. 3) not or no longer confined, obstructed, or fixed. 4) not subject to engagements or obligations. 5) not occupied or in use. 6) (free of/from) not subject to or affected by. 7) available without charge. 8) generous or lavish. 9) frank and unrestrained. 10) not subject to the normal conventions; improvised. 11) (of a translation or interpretation) conveying only the broad sense; not literal.

► ADVERB ▪ without cost or payment.

► VERB (frees, freed, freeing) 1) make free; release. 2) make available.

● free and easy — Cf. ↑free and easy

● a free hand — Cf. ↑a free hand

● a free ride — Cf. ↑a free ride

● the free world — Cf. ↑the free world

● make free with — Cf. ↑make free with

DERIVATIVES freeness noun.

ORIGIN Old English, related to FRIEND(Cf. ↑friendship).