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English

freeloading

|free/load/ing|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˈfriˌloʊdɪŋ/

🇬🇧

/ˈfriːˌləʊdɪŋ/

(freeload)

taking advantage without reciprocation

Base FormPresent3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleNoun
freeloadfreeloadsfreeloadsfreeloadedfreeloadedfreeloadingfreeloader
Etymology
Etymology Information

'freeload' originates from the combination of 'free' and 'load', where 'free' meant 'without cost' and 'load' referred to 'a burden or weight'.

Historical Evolution

'freeload' evolved from the concept of 'free loading', which was used to describe the act of loading goods without charge.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to load goods without charge', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'taking advantage of others' generosity'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

the act of taking advantage of others' generosity without giving anything in return.

His freeloading at parties eventually annoyed his friends.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Adjective 1

describing someone who takes advantage of others' generosity without reciprocating.

She was tired of her freeloading roommate.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/17 05:29