lose

Everyday

1. To lose is to no longer have something, often by mistake: lose a glove. tree →
2. To lose a game is to not win it. tree →
3. To lose your way is to not know where you are. tree →
4. To lose weight, time or money is to have less of it. tree →

In the lessons

things that are gone («had 9 pencils and lost 5» = subtract); in sport losing a match; in safety what to do if you get lost (stay where you are, find a safe adult); in everyday life «lose your temper», «lose track of time»

Examples

• Lily had 9 pencils and lost 5. How many pencils does Lily have now? tree →
• Tom loses 3 of his 10 marbles. tree →
• Ben had 15 cards and lost 4. tree →
• I lost my tooth today! tree →
• Our team lost the game 2 to 3. tree →
• If you get lost, stay where you are and ask a police officer. tree →
• Don't lose your library card. tree →
• Trees lose their leaves in autumn. tree →
• Much wants more and loses all. tree →

Note

Losing makes you have less: subtract. Trap: «how many did he lose» asks for the part lost: start minus what is left. Past «lost». Do not mix «lose» (one o, say «looz») with «loose» (two o's, not tight).

In Jewish tradition

In the law of lost property, finding what another has lost and denying it is a sin. The Torah commands returning it. Later books use "lost" for strayed animals, such as the lost asses of Kish, and for people who lose their way or their words.

Interpretation. The rabbis make returning a lost object (hashavat aveidah) an important commandment. It shows honesty and care for others. The story of the lost asses is read as the road by which Saul met Samuel and became king.

Examples

• or have found that which was lost, and deal falsely therein, and swear to a lie; in any of all these that a man doeth, sinning therein; (Torah LEV.6.3, JPS 1917) tree →
• Pistorius gave " scriptis, numeratis, pronunciatis." Postellus gave " Numerans, numerus, numeratus," thus losing the contrasted meanings ; and so did Rittangelius, who gave " Numero, numerante, numerate." (Sefer Yetzirah, Westcott 1893) tree →
• Now the asses of Kish Saul's father were lost. (Prophets 1SA.9.3, JPS 1917) tree →
• The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words. (Writings PRO.23.8, JPS 1917) tree →
• The paths of their way do wind, they go up into the waste, and are lost. (Writings JOB.6.18, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Losing makes you have less: subtract. Trap: «how many did he lose» asks for the part lost: start minus what is left. Past «lost». Do not mix «lose» (one o, say «looz») with «loose» (two o's, not tight).