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lose — to be unable to find something or someone

Part of speech: VERB

Definition: to be unable to find something or someone

Pronunciation (IPA): /luːz/

Example Sentences

  • I lose my phone at least once a day, usually when it's in my hand.
  • Don't lose hope - even pizza was once just flour and tomatoes.
  • Students often lose their pencils right before important exams.

lose

VERB

[/luːz/]

to be unable to find something or someone

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/luːz/
🇬🇧 UK/luːz/

🌳Etymology

Rootlose

Origin

The word derives from Old English 'losian', originally meaning 'to be destroyed' or 'to perish'. Over time, the meaning evolved to denote the modern sense of 'to misplace' or 'to cease to have something'.

Breakdown

Old English 'losian' (to destroy, to perish) → Modern English 'lose' (to misplace or forfeit). The semantic shift reflects a narrowing from physical destruction to the loss of possession or ability.

🎵Rhyme

choose
cruise
news
blues

🔗Collocations

lose weight
lose track of
lose one's temper
lose sight of
lose control
lose one's way

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“I lose my phone at least once a day, usually when it's in my hand.”

😄 Fun example

“Don't lose hope - even pizza was once just flour and tomatoes.”

“Students often lose their pencils right before important exams.”

😄 Fun example

“My diet plan: lose weight by losing my wallet so I can't buy food.”

📚Related Words

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