also freelance, "medieval mercenary warrior," 1820 ("Ivanhoe"), from free (adj.) + lance (n.); apparently a coinage of Sir Walter Scott's. The description of them resembles that of the Italian condottieri. Figurative sense is from 1864; specifically of journalism by 1882.
权威例句
1. I wasn't expecting you to do it for free.
我并没有指望你白干。
2. You get a big salary incentive and free board and lodging too.
你们能获得大笔激励性薪水,还可享受免费膳宿。
3. The shark was writhing around wildly, trying to get free.
鲨鱼拼命挣扎,试图逃脱。
4. What I did for you was free, gratis, you understand?