- free|dom
- free|dom «FREE duhm», noun.1. the state or condition of being free: »
In this then consists freedom…in our being able to act or not to act, according as we shall choose or will (John Locke).
2. not being under another's control; power to do, say, or think as one pleases; liberty: »freedom of religion, freedom of the press, political freedom.
3. Figurative. free use: »We give a guest the freedom of our home.
4. too great liberty; lack of restraint; frankness: »We did not like the freedom of his manner.
SYNONYM(S): outspokenness.5. ease of movement or action: »A fine athlete performs with freedom.
6. exemption or release from unfavorable or undesirable conditions: »freedom from fear, freedom from want.
7. a special immunity or privilege possessed by a city, corporation, or other group or individual.8. exemption or immunity from a charge or burden: »freedom from taxation.
10. Philosophy. the position of the will as an independent cause of human actions: »The power of relinquishing what one would keep; that is freedom (Marianne Moore).
11. Physics. the capacity that a system has for undergoing change without loss of equilibrium; the number of variables which fix the state of a system or substance.╂[Old English frēodōm]Synonym Study 1, 2 Freedom, liberty, independence mean being able to act without interference or control by another. Freedom emphasizes the power to exercise rights, powers, and the like: »Every person should have the freedom to worship as he chooses.
Liberty emphasizes absence of external restraint and compulsion on an individual: »Freedom of speech does not mean liberty to gossip and tell lies.
Independence emphasizes the power to stand alone, sometimes supported by, but never subject to or dependent on someone or something else: »Parents try to teach their children independence.
Useful english dictionary. 2012.
