Emancipation: meaning, definitions and examples

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emancipation

 

[ɪˌmænsəˈpeɪʃən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

freedom

Emancipation refers to the act of setting someone free from legal, social, or political restrictions. It is often associated with the liberation of oppressed individuals or groups.

Synonyms

freedom, liberation, liberty, release.

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Word Description / Examples
emancipation

Typically used in historical or legal contexts when referring to the act of freeing individuals from legal, social, or political restrictions.

  • The emancipation of the slaves was a monumental moment in history
  • Women's emancipation has taken significant strides over the past century
liberation

Often used in contexts related to the act of setting someone free from imprisonment, slavery, or oppression, usually through active or military means.

  • The liberation of the town was celebrated by its citizens
  • The movement fought for the liberation of oppressed people
freedom

A broad term often used in general and everyday language to denote the state of being free, whether from physical restraint, oppressive conditions, or constraints on one's actions or speech.

  • Freedom of speech is a fundamental right
  • He enjoyed the freedom to travel wherever he wanted
release

Usually refers to the act of letting someone go from confinement, obligation, or distress. It can have a more general or even negative connotation when compared to 'freedom' or 'liberation'.

  • The prisoner’s release was scheduled for next month
  • She felt a sense of release after finishing her exams
liberty

Commonly used in philosophical, political, or legal discussions to indicate the state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behavior, or political views.

  • The founding fathers emphasized the importance of liberty in the Constitution
  • They were fighting for their liberty against the invaders

Examples of usage

  • The emancipation of slaves in the United States was a pivotal moment in history.
  • Women's emancipation movements have fought for equal rights and opportunities.
  • The emancipation of the serfs in Russia led to significant changes in the social structure.
  • Emancipation from poverty requires economic empowerment and social support.
  • The declaration of emancipation marked the end of a long struggle for civil rights.
Context #2 | Noun

music

In music, emancipation refers to the resolution of a dissonance or the prolongation of a tone beyond the expected beat.

Synonyms

extension, prolongation, resolution.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
emancipation

Used mainly in social and political contexts to refer to setting someone free from legal, social, or political restrictions.

  • The emancipation of slaves was a significant event in history.
  • Women's emancipation is a critical step towards gender equality.
resolution

Used to refer to a firm decision to do or not do something, or the process of resolving a problem or dispute.

  • She made a resolution to exercise more.
  • The resolution of the conflict took several months.
prolongation

Refers to the act of extending the duration of something, often in a neutral or technical context.

  • The doctor suggested the prolongation of the treatment.
  • There was a prolongation of the contract negotiation process.
extension

Used to refer to an increase in length, time, or scope, commonly in academic, professional, or technical settings.

  • We need an extension of the deadline to complete the project.
  • The company announced an extension of its product line.

Examples of usage

  • The composer used emancipation to create tension and release in the piece.
  • Emancipation of the dissonance is a concept explored in modern music theory.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term comes from the Latin 'emancipatio', which means 'to free from bondage'.
  • In the United States, the Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863 freed enslaved people in Confederate states.
  • Many countries have celebrated various forms of emancipation, often linked to significant social and political changes throughout history.

Cultural Impact

  • Emancipation movements have played crucial roles in civil rights discussions worldwide, impacting laws and societal norms.
  • Literary works, like 'The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass', emphasize the importance of independence and personal freedom.
  • The concept also extends to women's rights, with various movements advocating for gender equality being described as forms of emancipation.

Law and Politics

  • Emancipation laws often include various conditions and processes that individuals must fulfill to gain full freedom.
  • In the context of minors, emancipation allows them to gain independence from their parents or guardians at a younger age, demonstrating the versatility of the term.

Psychological Perspective

  • The idea of emancipation resonates in psychology, where personal liberation often involves overcoming mental and emotional constraints.
  • Achieving mental and emotional emancipation can lead to improved self-esteem and overall well-being.

Modern Usage

  • Emancipation is often referenced in discussions about personal autonomy in multiple contexts, including relationships and workplace rights.
  • The term is increasingly applied in educational frameworks, promoting the idea of self-directed learning and decision-making.

Translations

Translations of the word "emancipation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 emancipação

🇮🇳 मुक्ति

🇩🇪 Emanzipation

🇮🇩 emansipasi

🇺🇦 емансипація

🇵🇱 emancypacja

🇯🇵 解放 (かいほう)

🇫🇷 émancipation

🇪🇸 emancipación

🇹🇷 emansipasyon

🇰🇷 해방 (haebang)

🇸🇦 تحرر

🇨🇿 emancipace

🇸🇰 emancipácia

🇨🇳 解放 (jiěfàng)

🇸🇮 emancipacija

🇮🇸 frelsi

🇰🇿 эмансипация

🇬🇪 ემანსიპაცია

🇦🇿 emansipasiya

🇲🇽 emancipación

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,506 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.