Emancipated: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when describing someone being freed from legal, social, or political restrictions.

• The slaves were emancipated after the Civil War.
• She felt emancipated after leaving her controlling relationship.

Similar to emancipated, but often used to describe someone freed from traditional roles or oppressive customs. It can carry a more positive connotation than 'emancipated'.

• She felt liberated after voicing her opinion.
• The country was liberated from dictatorship.

A general term for being without constraints or costs, it can be used in many contexts including emotional, physical, or financial freedom.

• She felt free after quitting her job.
• The entry to the museum was free on Sunday.

Refers to having no limitations or controls, often used in broader contexts like rules, access, or freedom of movement.

• They have unrestricted access to the building.
• The document was made unrestricted for public viewing.

Typically used in a historical or legal sense, 'emancipated' refers to being freed from legal, social, or political restrictions, especially from slavery. It can also mean being legally free from parental control.

• He was emancipated from his parents at the age of 16 and began living on his own.
• The Emancipation Proclamation was a significant step in the fight to end slavery.

Indicating something that is not based on or conforming to what is generally done or believed. It often carries a positive connotation of creativity and originality but can sometimes suggest a lack of respect for established norms.

• Her unconventional teaching methods encouraged students to think outside the box.
• The artist is known for his unconventional approach to painting, using materials like sand and plastic.

Nontraditional is often used to describe things, ideas, or behaviors that deviate from what is typical or expected. This can apply to family structures, educational paths, job roles, and more.

• She chose a nontraditional career path by becoming a professional gamer.
• Their family has a nontraditional setup where both parents share all household duties equally.

This word is used to describe attitudes, policies, or actions that are forward-thinking and aim to bring about social reform or new ideas, especially in politics or social issues.

• The city's progressive policies on climate change have set a model for others to follow.
• He is a member of a progressive party advocating for healthcare reform.