freedom
- 01 A2 Elementary
the state of being free to act, speak, or think without being controlled by others.
the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. Uncountable in this general sense.
Simple“After years of living with his parents, he finally enjoyed the freedom of having his own apartment.”
In context“The new constitution was designed to protect individual freedom against the potential overreach of a centralized government.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 B1 Intermediate
a particular right to do something, like the freedom of speech.
a specific legal or social right to act in a certain way without interference. Often countable when referring to specific civil liberties.
Simple“Freedom of the press is a very important part of a healthy democracy.”
In context“The high court ruled that the new legislation infringed upon the fundamental freedoms guaranteed to every citizen.”
Synonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
the state of not being limited by something, like rules or physical objects.
the state of being unconstrained or not subject to a particular negative condition. Often takes the preposition 'from'.
Simple“The new software gives users the freedom to change the layout however they like.”
In context“The patient celebrated her freedom from pain after the successful surgery allowed her to walk unaided for the first time in years.”
Antonyms - 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
the right to use a place or a thing whenever you want.
the right or privilege of unrestricted use of or access to a place or facility.
Simple“The children were given the freedom of the garden while their parents talked inside.”
In context“As a senior researcher, she was granted the freedom of the archives, allowing her to examine rare manuscripts without supervision.”
- 05 C2 Proficiency
acting too friendly or informal in a way that might be rude.
an act of familiarity that exceeds the bounds of propriety or social decorum. Usually plural in this sense.
Simple“He apologized for taking liberties and using such freedoms with his host's personal belongings.”
In context“The diplomat was criticized for taking certain freedoms with protocol that were deemed inappropriate for such a formal occasion.”
SynonymsfamiliarityimpertinenceAntonyms
Usage freedom of information · freedom of expression · freedom of movement
“H enry “Box” Brown is wrapped up in chains when he has an idea to claim his freedom.”
“But after a few minutes, the birds stepped out into freedom and the bolder ones were soon soaring into the blue, the first white storks to be released into the wilds of Cornwall.”