liberty
gb/lˈɪbɚti/ us/lˈɪbɚti/
B1
English
~ 4200
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
state
1
Freedom from oppressive control
The state of being free to live and act as you choose, without unfair limits from authority.
Usage pattern:
[someone] has the liberty to [do something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'liberty' with 'license'. 'Liberty' means rightful freedom, while 'license' can mean excessive or improper freedom.
Synonyms
freedom (The most common and general synonym; 'liberty' often has a more formal or political tone.)
Antonyms
oppression (Represents the opposite condition, where people are controlled unfairly and harshly.)
Collocations
personal liberty
|civil liberty
|individual liberty
|liberty and justice
|loss of liberty
Themes
politics
|law
|society
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Citizens enjoy greater liberty under the new constitution.
- Freedom of speech is a basic liberty in many countries.
- He fought for the liberty of his people.
- The law protects the liberty of all individuals.
- They risked their lives to win liberty from foreign rule.
Learner examples
- People want liberty to speak freely.
- We have liberty to travel anywhere.
- The new law gives more liberty to workers.
- Liberty is important for everyone.
Noun
B2
entity
2
Granted right or privilege
A special right or permission that someone has.
Usage pattern:
[someone] has the liberty of [doing something]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'liberty' here with general 'freedom'. This sense is about a specific granted permission, not overall freedom.
Synonyms
privilege (Implies a special advantage granted to some; 'liberty' here is more neutral and formal.)
Antonyms
restriction (Represents the removal or absence of the right or permission.)
Collocations
take the liberty
|at liberty to
|have the liberty
Themes
law
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- He had the liberty to use the private library.
- Guests are at liberty to explore the grounds.
- I took the liberty of booking a table for us.
- She was given the liberty to choose her own team.
Learner examples
- You have the liberty to leave early today.
- I took the liberty to call you this morning.
- They are at liberty to visit anytime.
- She has the liberty to decide what to wear.
Noun
B2
event
3
Sailor's shore leave
Time when sailors can leave their ship and relax on land.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is on liberty
Common mistake:
Learners might assume this means general freedom; in military contexts it refers specifically to authorized leave from a ship.
Synonyms
shore leave (The standard naval term; 'liberty' is used especially in US Navy contexts.)
Antonyms
duty (Indicates the opposite situation, when sailors must remain on board and work.)
Collocations
shore liberty
|weekend liberty
|granted liberty
Themes
military
|travel
|work
Examples
- The crew was granted two days of liberty in port.
- He spent his liberty exploring the city.
- Liberty ended at 0800 hours sharp.
Learner examples
- The sailors have liberty this weekend.
- He enjoys his liberty in the city.
- After work, they have liberty until Sunday.
Grammar
Dictionary form
liberty
IPA
GB/lˈɪbɚti/
US/lˈɪbɚti/
Syllables & stress
liberty (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (liberty)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: liberty
- Plural: liberties, liberty
Word family
Forms
liberties
noun
Core family
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
unfree
adjective
illiberal
adjective
Advanced or less common
Expressions
at liberty to
1/ˈæt lˈɪbɚti tə/
fixed phrase
formal
Allowed or permitted to do something
Free or allowed to do something.
Examples
- You are at liberty to refuse their offer.
- Employees are at liberty to take breaks when needed.
take the liberty
1/tˈeɪk ðə lˈɪbɚti/
fixed phrase
Act without prior permission
To do something without asking first because you think it is okay.
Examples
- I took the liberty of ordering drinks for everyone before you arrived.
- She took the liberty to correct his mistake in the report.