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Commonly Confused

How to Pronounce loose vs lose

Key Pronunciation Contrast

‘Loose’ ends with an unvoiced /s/ sound (⁄luːs⁄), whereas ‘lose’ ends with a voiced /z/ sound (⁄luːz⁄).

Contrast: Final consonant: voiceless /s/ vs voiced /z/

loose

⁄luːs⁄

Syllables

LOOSE

Definition:

To let loose, to free from restraints.

“Ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her; loose them, and bring them unto me.”

lose

⁄luːz⁄

Syllables

LOSE

Definition:

To cease to have (something) in one's possession or capability.

“If you lose that ten-pound note, you'll be sorry.”

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Frequently Asked Questions: loose vs lose

What is the difference in pronunciation between "loose" and "lose"?

‘Loose’ ends with an unvoiced /s/ sound (⁄luːs⁄), whereas ‘lose’ ends with a voiced /z/ sound (⁄luːz⁄).

Where does the syllable stress fall in "loose" vs "lose"?

"loose" has 1 syllable(s) (loose) with stress on "LOOSE". "lose" has 1 syllable(s) (lose) with stress on "LOSE".

Why do English learners often confuse "loose" and "lose"?

Learners frequently confuse them due to the close sound contrast: Final consonant: voiceless /s/ vs voiced /z/. In rapid spoken English, context and vowel duration are the primary differentiators.

What are example sentences for "loose" and "lose"?

Example for "loose": "Ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her; loose them, and bring them unto me." Example for "lose": "If you lose that ten-pound note, you'll be sorry."