Cool MateDischarge vs Free vs Release the prisoners
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Discharge
Free
Release the prisoners
| Discharge | Free | Release the prisoners | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/dɪsˈtʃɑːdʒ/","/dɪsˈtʃɑːdʒɪz/","/dɪsˈtʃɑːdʒd/","/dɪsˈtʃɑːdʒɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪsˈtʃɑːrdʒ/","/dɪsˈtʃɑːrdʒɪz/","/dɪsˈtʃɑːrdʒd/","/dɪsˈtʃɑːrdʒɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/friː/","/ˈfriːə(r)/","/ˈfriːɪst/"]/🇺🇸 /["/friː/","/ˈfriːər/","/ˈfriːɪst/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //rɪˈliːs ðə ˈprɪznəz//🇺🇸 //rɪˈlis ði ˈprɪzənɚz// |
| Meaning | To let go or release someone or something. | Not costing money or not being controlled by someone. | Let the prisoners go free. |
| Example | The hospital will discharge the patient tomorrow morning after the final checkup. | The concert tickets are free for everyone. | The government decided to release the prisoners after the peace agreement. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (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 | release the prisoners, immediate release, release from custody |
| 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.' | Confused with 'loosen' which means to make something less tight., Using 'release' without an object (e.g., 'I want to release' is incomplete). |
| 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. | Use 'release' when talking about letting someone or something go, suitable for formal and neutral contexts. Avoid in casual slang. |
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Frequently asked questions: Discharge vs Free vs Release the prisoners
What's the difference between Discharge, Free, and Release the prisoners?
Discharge: To let go or release someone or something. Free: Not costing money or not being controlled by someone. Release the prisoners: Let the prisoners go free.
Which is more common: Discharge, Free, and Release the prisoners?
Free is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Discharge, Free, and Release the prisoners?
Discharge is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
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. Release the prisoners: The government decided to release the prisoners after the peace agreement.
Can I use Discharge, Free, and Release the prisoners interchangeably?
Not always. Discharge, Free, and Release the prisoners 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.