freedom
gb/fɹˈidəm/ us/fɹˈidəm/
B1
English
~ 1500
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
state
1
Right to act without restraint
The state of being able to do, say, or think what you want without control by others.
Usage pattern:
[someone] has freedom to [do something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'freedom' with 'free' in structure; 'I have free to go' is incorrect — use 'I am free to go' or 'I have the freedom to go'.
Synonyms
liberty (Often used in formal or political contexts; similar meaning but slightly more formal.)
Antonyms
oppression (Refers to severe and unfair control over people, the opposite of personal freedom.)
Collocations
freedom of speech
|personal freedom
|freedom of choice
|freedom of movement
Themes
society
|law
|politics
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Freedom of speech is protected by the constitution.
- She valued her freedom to travel wherever she liked.
- After years under strict rules, the students enjoyed their new freedom.
- Many fought for the freedom to practice their religion.
- He moved to the countryside for more personal freedom.
Learner examples
- I have the freedom to choose my job.
- We enjoy freedom in our country.
- He wants freedom to travel.
- Freedom is important for everyone.
Noun
B1
state
2
Release from captivity or slavery
The state of not being in prison or under control by another person.
Synonyms
release (Focuses on the act of being set free rather than the ongoing state.)
Antonyms
captivity (The state of being kept somewhere and not allowed to leave.)
Collocations
win freedom
|gain freedom
|fight for freedom
Themes
law
|human rights
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- After ten years, he finally won his freedom.
- The prisoners longed for freedom.
- They fought for the freedom of all enslaved people.
- She regained her freedom after the war ended.
Learner examples
- The man got his freedom after five years in prison.
- They want freedom for all people.
- She fought for her country's freedom.
Noun
B2
relation
3
Right to use without restriction
The right to use something in any way you want.
Synonyms
license (Implies official permission; more formal and legalistic.)
Antonyms
restriction (A limit placed on how something can be used.)
Collocations
freedom to operate
|freedom to use
Themes
law
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- You have the freedom to use the facilities at any time.
- The new software gives users more freedom to customize settings.
- He enjoys the freedom of using his land as he wishes.
Learner examples
- We have the freedom to use the park.
- I like the freedom of my phone plan.
- She has freedom to choose her clothes.
Noun
B2
state
4
Being excused from an obligation
Not having to do something that other people must do.
Synonyms
exemption (A formal term often used in legal or official contexts.)
Antonyms
obligation (A duty or responsibility that must be fulfilled.)
Collocations
freedom from taxation
|freedom from responsibility
Themes
law
|work
Examples
- Some groups have freedom from paying certain taxes.
- He enjoyed freedom from daily chores while on vacation.
- Diplomats often have certain freedoms from local laws.
Learner examples
- We have freedom from extra fees.
- She has freedom from work today.
- They want freedom from long meetings.
Grammar
Dictionary form
freedom
IPA
GB/fɹˈidəm/
US/fɹˈidəm/
Syllables & stress
free - dom (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (free)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: freedom
- Plural: freedom, freedoms
Word family
Expressions
freedom of choice
1/fɹˈidəm əv t͡ʃˈɔɪs/
fixed phrase
Ability to choose freely
The power to decide between different things without limits.
Examples
- Consumers value their freedom of choice when shopping.
- Freedom of choice is important in a democracy.
take liberties with [something]
1/tˈeɪk lˈɪbɚtiz wˈɪθ sˈʌmθɪŋ/
idiom
Alter something beyond permission
To make changes that are not correct or allowed.
Examples
- The film takes liberties with the true story.
- He took liberties with the facts in his report.
freedom of movement
1/fɹˈidəm əv mˈuvmənt/
fixed phrase
formal
right to travel freely
The right to go where you want without being stopped by laws or rules.
Examples
- Citizens are guaranteed freedom of movement within the country.
- The new law restricts freedom of movement for certain groups.
freedom of movement
2/fɹˈidəm əv mˈuvmənt/
fixed phrase
Right to travel freely
The right to go where you want inside a country or between countries.
Examples
- Freedom of movement is guaranteed by law in many places.
- Tourists enjoy freedom of movement across the region.
freedom of speech
1/fɹˈidəm əv spˈit͡ʃ/
fixed phrase
Right to express opinions openly
The right to say what you think without control by the government.
Examples
- Freedom of speech is protected in many countries.
- He spoke out, exercising his freedom of speech.
- He spoke out, using his right to freedom of speech.