lose
Meaning: To be unable to find; to fail to win; to have less of something
'Lose' has several meanings: misplacing something, failing to win a competition, experiencing a reduction (lose weight, lose time), or being deprived of something (lose a job). Note the spelling difference from 'loose' (not tight). Common expressions include 'lose your temper' and 'lose track of time'.
Examples
- I always lose my keys. 我总是找不到钥匙。Siempre pierdo las llaves.私はいつも鍵をなくします。저는 항상 열쇠를 잃어버립니다.
- They're going to lose the match if they don't score soon. 如果不快点得分,他们就要输掉这场比赛了。Van a perder el partido si no marcan pronto.すぐに得点しないと試合に負けてしまいます。곧 득점하지 않으면 경기에서 지게 됩니다.
- He lost his job during the recession. 他在经济衰退期间失业了。Perdió su trabajo durante la recesión.彼は不況の間に仕事を失いました。그는 불경기 때 직장을 잃었습니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: general
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Old English 'losian' meaning 'to perish, to be destroyed'. Originally meant to be ruined or destroyed — the modern sense of misplacing something or failing to win developed in Middle English. Related to Old Norse 'losa' meaning 'to loosen'.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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