freedom

Meanings

1. 1noununcountable

   The state of being free from control, restriction, oppression, or an unwanted condition.

   Grammar: Common patterns are freedom from, freedom of, and freedom to do.

   Patterns

   • freedom from something
   • freedom to do something
   • fight for freedom

   The law protects freedom from unlawful detention.

   Remote work gave her more freedom to manage family time.

2. 2nouncountablelegal

   A particular legal, political, or civil right that people possess.

   Grammar: Plural freedoms is common when listing several rights.

   Patterns

   • basic freedoms
   • freedom of speech
   • protect freedoms

   Freedom of speech is limited by laws against threats.

   The charter lists freedoms such as religion and assembly.

Word forms

Common combinations

freedom of speech

Freedom of speech does not protect direct threats.

freedom from fear

The campaign promised freedom from fear at school.

freedom to choose

Patients want freedom to choose their doctor.

basic freedoms

The constitution guards basic freedoms.

fight for freedom

Activists fought for freedom through peaceful protests.

Synonyms and how they differ

liberty

Liberty is close and often legal or formal; freedom is broader in everyday speech.

independence

Independence means self-rule or not relying on others, narrower than freedom.

autonomy

Autonomy stresses control over one’s own actions, especially for people or regions.

Opposites

Word family

free adjective

Not controlled, restricted, or costing payment.

freely adverb

Without restriction or hesitation.

freedom-loving adjective

Valuing liberty; often used in political contexts.

Commonly confused: freedom or free? freedom or liberty?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “freedom”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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