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Freedom Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ•Š๏ธ
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freedom

[หˆfriหdษ™m ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

struggle for

the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint.

Synonyms

autonomy, independence, liberty.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
freedom

This term is used when talking about the general state of being free to do, think, or say whatever one wants, without being restricted. It's often used in broad, philosophical, or political discussions.

  • Freedom of speech is a fundamental human right.
  • After years of oppression, the citizens finally experienced freedom.
independence

Independence is often used when referring to a nation's state of being free from outside control, or a person's ability to operate without assistance from others. It has strong political and personal connotations.

  • The country fought hard to gain its independence from colonial rule.
  • Moving to a new city taught him the value of independence.
liberty

Liberty is used specifically to talk about the rights of individuals to be free within society from oppressive restrictions. It's often found in legal, historical, or ethical discussions, and has a slightly more formal tone.

  • The Bill of Rights guarantees certain liberties.
  • Liberty and justice for all is an important principle.
autonomy

This word is typically used to describe self-governance or the ability for a person, organization, or region to operate independently and make their own decisions. It's often seen in discussions about management, political regions, or personal decision-making.

  • The new policy grants greater autonomy to local governments.
  • She values her autonomy and doesn't like others making decisions for her.

Examples of usage

  • freedom of speech is a fundamental right in many countries
  • the struggle for freedom continues around the world
Context #2 | Noun

from

the state of not being imprisoned or enslaved.

Synonyms

emancipation, liberation, release.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
freedom

Use in a general sense to describe the state of being free from restrictions, having the power to act, speak, or think without hindrance. It can apply to personal liberty, political independence, or mental freedom.

  • The country fought for its freedom from colonial rule.
  • She values her freedom to express her thoughts openly.
release

Use in situations where something or someone is being set free from physical confinement, restraint, or obligation. Often applicable in legal, medical, or practical contexts.

  • The prisoner was granted early release for good behavior.
  • The doctor instructed him to release the tension in his muscles.
emancipation

Use when referring to the process of being set free from legal, social, or political restrictions. Often used in historical and legal contexts, particularly regarding the freeing of slaves or granting of rights.

  • The emancipation of slaves was a major milestone in history.
  • Women's emancipation has been a long and ongoing struggle.
liberation

Use when referring to the act of freeing someone or something from oppression or confinement. Frequently used in military, political, or social contexts where there has been an active struggle.

  • The liberation of the city was celebrated by all its inhabitants.
  • He wrote about the liberation movements of oppressed peoples.

Examples of usage

  • the prisoners gained their freedom after years of captivity
  • abolitionists fought for the freedom of slaves
Context #3 | Noun

to

the state of not being subject to or affected by a particular undesirable thing.

Synonyms

exemption, immunity, liberation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
freedom

Used to describe a general state of being free from restrictions, control, or barriers.

  • The country fought for its freedom from colonial rule.
  • She values her freedom to express her opinions openly.
exemption

Refers to being free from a duty, obligation, or requirement, often in legal or formal contexts.

  • Students with high grades receive an exemption from the final exam.
  • He applied for a tax exemption due to his disability.
immunity

Indicates being protected from something harmful or unwanted, often used in legal, medical, or diplomatic contexts.

  • The diplomat has diplomatic immunity and cannot be prosecuted.
  • After recovering from the illness, she gained immunity against the virus.
liberation

Highlights the process of being freed from confinement, oppression, or a difficult situation.

  • The liberation of the city was celebrated by all its residents.
  • Joining the new company felt like a liberation for him after years of a restrictive work environment.

Examples of usage

  • freedom from discrimination is a basic human right
  • she found freedom from fear in her new home

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The concept of freedom dates back to ancient societies like Greece, where democracy allowed citizens to participate in decision-making.
  • In the 1215 Magna Carta, King John of England granted certain liberties, laying early groundwork for individual rights and freedoms.
  • The Declaration of Independence in 1776 emphasized freedom as a foundational principle, stating all men are created equal with rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Cultural Significance

  • Many cultures celebrate Freedom Day, symbolizing the end of oppression and the beginning of independence.
  • Art and literature frequently explore themes of freedom, reflecting personal struggles and societal movements in works like Langston Hughes' poetry and Martin Luther King Jr.'s speeches.
  • Songs like 'Born Free' and 'Redemption Song' capture the emotional essence of seeking and celebrating freedom across generations.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers like John Locke argued that freedom is a natural right, essential for human dignity and societal progress.
  • Existentialism posits that individuals are free to determine their own existence and meaning in life, but this comes with responsibility.
  • In Eastern philosophies, freedom can be seen as liberation from desires and attachments, leading to inner peace and enlightenment.

Psychology

  • Feeling a lack of freedom can lead to stress and anxiety, while a sense of autonomy is often linked to higher well-being.
  • Psychological research shows that empowerment and personal choice significantly enhance motivation and engagement in life.
  • The concept of 'learned helplessness' illustrates how repeated loss of freedom can lead individuals to feel they have no control over their situation.

Legal Aspects

  • Freedom of speech is a fundamental human right, allowing individuals to express their thoughts without fear of government retaliation.
  • Many countries have constitutions that safeguard various forms of freedom, such as the right to assembly and religion.
  • International laws, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, emphasize the importance of protecting freedoms as essential to human dignity.

Origin of 'freedom'

The word 'freedom' originated from the Old English word 'freodom', which meant power, influence, or will. Over time, it evolved to represent the state of not being enslaved or imprisoned. The concept of freedom has been a fundamental aspect of human societies throughout history, with people fighting for their rights and liberties. The struggle for freedom continues to be a driving force in many social and political movements around the world.

See also: free, freebie, freed, freefall, freefaller, freefalling, freeing, freelancer, freely, freeway.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,271, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.