Cool MateDischarge vs Free
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Discharge
Free
| Discharge | Free | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/dɪsˈtʃɑːdʒ/","/dɪsˈtʃɑːdʒɪz/","/dɪsˈtʃɑːdʒd/","/dɪsˈtʃɑːdʒɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪsˈtʃɑːrdʒ/","/dɪsˈtʃɑːrdʒɪz/","/dɪsˈtʃɑːrdʒd/","/dɪsˈtʃɑːrdʒɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/friː/","/ˈfriːə(r)/","/ˈfriːɪst/"]/🇺🇸 /["/friː/","/ˈfriːər/","/ˈfriːɪst/"]/ |
| Meaning | To let go or release someone or something. | Not costing money or not being controlled by someone. |
| Example | The hospital will discharge the patient tomorrow morning after the final checkup. | The concert tickets are free for everyone. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | A1 |
| Part of speech | verb | adjective |
| Collocations | dishonourably/dishonorably, honourably/honorably, from, conditionally, formally, directly, from, into, fully, properly, faithfully, accidentally | be, keep something, completely, entirely, totally, be, seem, become, completely, be, come, absolutely, completely, entirely, for free, free of charge, for, be, feel, seem, completely, entirely, quite, from, be, feel, seem, completely, entirely, quite, from, be, roam, run, completely, entirely, totally, be, roam, run, completely, entirely, totally, be, become, remain, completely, entirely, totally, be, roam, run, completely, entirely, totally |
| Antonyms | charge, detain | expensive, costly |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'charge' which means to accuse or demand payment., Using 'discharge' incorrectly for emotional release instead of physical or legal release., Mixing up the verb form with the noun form. | Confused with 'free of' which implies absence instead of no cost., Using with continuous tenses incorrectly, e.g., 'I am freeing my weekend.' |
| Usage notes | Use 'discharge' when discussing the release of a duty, responsibility, or patient, especially in medical or legal contexts. Avoid in informal settings. | Use 'free' in both formal and informal contexts. Avoid using it in a context where it implies lack of value or worth. |
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Frequently asked questions: Discharge vs Free
What's the difference between Discharge and Free?
Discharge: To let go or release someone or something. Free: Not costing money or not being controlled by someone.
Which is more common: Discharge and Free?
Free is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Discharge and Free?
Discharge is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Discharge and Free the same CEFR level?
Discharge: C1, Free: A1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Discharge and Free?
Discharge: verb, Free: adjective.
Can you show an example of each?
Discharge: The hospital will discharge the patient tomorrow morning after the final checkup. Free: The concert tickets are free for everyone.
Can I use Discharge and Free interchangeably?
Not always. Discharge and Free are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.