Main Difference – Lose and Loss
Though the two words ‘loss’ and ‘lose’ appear similar, there is a distinct difference between their meaning and usage. The key difference between Lose and Loss is that Lose is a verb that gives out the meaning ‘to be deprived of ‘ or ‘cease to have’ while Loss is a noun that indicates the fact or process of losing something or someone.
Lose – Meaning and Usage
Lose is derived from the Old English ‘losian’ meaning perish or destroy. It is a verb that could give out the following meanings,
Be deprived of or cease to have or retain (something):
“He didn’t want to lose his job.”
“She started a diet because she wanted to lose weight.”
“Get out of here, before I lose my temper.”
To be bereaved of by death
“To lose a sister, is tough.”
“She was going to lose the baby.”
To suffer defeat or fail to win
“We thought India was going to lose this match.”
“They practiced hard because they did not want to lose this final match.”
Keep in mind that ‘lose’ can not be used interchangeably with ‘loose’ though they sound similar. Loose is an adjective, meaning detached or untethered.
Phrases Using Lose
To lose heart: to be discouraged
“Don’t lose heart; we still have some time to complete this.”
To lose one’s mind: to go insane
“Have you lost your mind? What are you doing?”
Lose sleep: to worry about something
“Don’t lose your sleep over such a small problem.”
Lose one’s nerve: to become scared
“He was going to confess his love to her, but he lost his nerve at the last moment.”
He knew that they were going to lose this match.
Loss – Meaning and Usage
Loss is a noun derived from Old English los of Germanic origin meaning ‘destruction’. Loss could refer to,
The fact or process of losing something
“Loss of appetite is a symptom of falling in love.”
“The 18th century painting was the greatest loss from the robbery.”
The death of someone
“They mourned the loss of their grandmother.”
“The war continued, despite the heavy losses on both sides.”
An instance of defeat
“I was so shocked to hear that it was a loss of a bet that prompted him to commit suicide.”
Amount of money lost by a company
“We have incurred huge losses.”
Phrases Using Loss
At a loss: bewildered or confused.
“I was at a loss when I heard that shocking news.”
At a loss also refers to a financial loss.
“The company was running at a loss.”
“The factory was operating at a loss, so they decided to sell it.”
She was worried about her weight loss.
Difference Between Lose and Loss
Definition
Lose is to be deprived of something or to cease having something.
Loss is the fact or process of losing something or someone.
Form
Lose is a verb (present tense)
Loss is an adjective.
Word Origins
Lose is derived from ‘losian’ meaning perish or destruct.
Loss is derived from ‘los’ meaning destruction.
