liberty
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
the power or right to do as you want without being controlled by a government or other people.
the state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behaviour, or political views.
Simple“The people fought for their liberty and the right to vote for their own leaders.”
In context“The new constitution was designed to protect individual liberty against the potential overreach of a centralized government.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
the state of not being in prison or under the control of someone else.
the condition of being free from physical imprisonment, servitude, or forced labour.
Simple“After ten years in jail, the prisoner finally regained his liberty.”
In context“The legal team argued that the defendant's right to personal liberty had been violated by his prolonged detention without a formal trial.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
doing something that is a bit rude or goes beyond what is usually allowed.
an act or statement that oversteps the boundaries of propriety or social convention.
Simple“It's a bit of a liberty to use my car without asking me first.”
In context“The biographer was criticized for taking liberties with the facts to make the story more dramatic for the readers.”
UsageOften used in the phrase 'to take a liberty' or 'to take liberties'.
SynonymsAntonyms - 04 C2 Proficiency
a short time when a sailor is allowed to leave their ship and go onto the land.
a period of authorized absence from a naval vessel or station, typically for recreation.
Simple“The sailors were granted liberty for the weekend while the ship was in port.”
In context“After three months at sea, the crew was eager for liberty in the vibrant coastal city.”
UsageUsually uncountable in this context.
“Silkie Carlo, the director of civil liberties group Big Brother Watch, has called for Sainsbury's to scrap the technology, arguing that it is "treating customers like criminals".”
“Convincing, yes, but significantly short of the 72% won by David Davis in 2008 when he resigned his seat and stood again as a protest over the issue of civil liberties.”