freedom
freedom
Pronunciation
Here's the IPA phonetic spelling for "freedom" along with a breakdown of the sounds in each syllable:
ˈfriːdəm (This is for General American pronunciation)
Breakdown:
First syllable (fri):
/f/ - voiceless labiodental fricative (similar to the "f" sound in "fit")
/ɹ/ - alveolar approximant (similar to the "r" sound in American English "run")
/iː/ - long close front vowel (similar to the "ee" sound in "seen")
Second syllable (dəm):
/d/ - voiced alveolar plosive (similar to the "d" sound in "dog")
/ə/ - schwa (a mid central vowel sound, the most common vowel sound in American English)
/m/ - bilabial nasal (similar to the "m" sound in "man")
Word Form Variations
The word "freedom" has two main variations:
Singular: This is the most common form, referring to the general concept of being free. (e.g., "We fought for freedom.")
Plural: "Freedoms" is the plural form. It's used to refer to specific types of freedoms or liberties. (e.g., "The Constitution guarantees certain freedoms, such as freedom of speech and religion.")
There are no verb conjugations or other grammatical variations of "freedom" itself. However, there are many related words that express different aspects of freedom, such as:
Freed: This is the past participle of the verb "to free," indicating something that has been liberated. (e.g., "The freed slaves built a new community.")
Freely: This is an adverb meaning "without restriction." (e.g., "The children played freely in the park.")
Freeing: This is the present participle of "to free," indicating the act of liberating something. (e.g., "The revolution was a freeing experience for many people.")
Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Noun:
Definition: The state of being able to act, think, or speak without external control or limitations. (Synonyms: liberty, independence, autonomy; Antonyms: captivity, confinement, oppression)
Example: "She finally achieved the freedom to pursue her dream career."
Adverb (derived from the adjective "free")
Definition: In a way that is unrestricted or without limitations. (Synonyms: freely, independently; Antonyms: restrictively, dependently)
Example: "The birds soared freely across the vast sky."
There are no verb conjugations or adjective forms of "freedom" itself. However, related words can express actions or qualities associated with freedom.
Verb (related): To free (verb) - to grant or restore freedom to someone or something. (Synonyms: liberate, emancipate; Antonyms: imprison, enslave)
Adjective (related): Free (adjective) - not confined, controlled, or restricted. (Synonyms: independent, unconstrained; Antonyms: captive, dependent)
Examples of Use
Literature:
Book: Toni Morrison's novel Beloved explores the struggle for freedom of formerly enslaved people in the aftermath of the American Civil War. (Toni Morrison, Beloved)
Newspapers:
Headline: "Protests Erupt in Response to Restrictions on Freedom of Speech" (This could be a headline from various newspapers around the world)
Online Publications:
Article: "The Importance of Freedom of the Press in a Democracy" (This could be found on a news website or online magazine)
Entertainment:
Movie: "The Hunger Games" depicts a dystopian society where young people are forced to fight for their freedom. (The Hunger Games, directed by Gary Ross)
Song: "Blowin' in the Wind" by Bob Dylan includes the lyrics, "How many roads must a man walk down / Before you call him a man?" expressing a yearning for freedom and understanding. (Blowin' in the Wind, Bob Dylan)
Public Discourse:
Speech: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." (The Declaration of Independence of the United States) - Freedom is a core principle invoked in political discourse.
Social Media: People might use the hashtag #Freedom to advocate for various causes or celebrate personal liberation.
10 Famous Quotes Using the term Freedom
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." - Edmund Burke (This quote implies that freedom requires action and vigilance)
"Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves." - Abraham Lincoln (This quote highlights the interconnectedness of freedom)
"Freedom is the open window through which pours the sunlight of the human spirit and human dignity." - Herbert Hoover (This quote emphasises freedom's role in fostering human potential)
"Freedom is what you do with what's been done to you." - Jean-Paul Sartre (This quote focuses on the agency individuals have within their circumstances)
"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others." - Nelson Mandela (This quote emphasises the responsibility that comes with freedom)
"The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him." - G.K. Chesterton (This quote suggests that freedom protects things we value)
"You call that freedom? To ask nothing. To expect nothing. To depend on nothing." - Ayn Rand (This quote presents a view of freedom that emphasises self-reliance)
"Better to die fighting for freedom than be a prisoner all the days of your life." - Bob Marley (This quote highlights the potential cost of freedom)
"Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed." - Martin Luther King Jr. (This quote emphasises the need to fight for freedom).
"Freedom is the right to tell people what they do not want to hear." - George Orwell (This quote focuses on the importance of freedom of speech, even for unpopular ideas)
Etymology
The word "freedom" comes from a much older word, "freo" in Old English. Back then, "freo" simply meant "free" and wasn't a fancy term like it is today. It described someone who wasn't a slave or prisoner, but could come and go as they pleased.
Think of it like this: Imagine you're playing outside with your friends. No one is telling you what to do, you can run around and climb trees. That's what "freo" meant – being able to do what you want without restrictions.
Over time, people started using "freo" with another word, "-dom," which meant "state of being." So, "freodom" (which eventually became freedom) started describing the whole condition of not being restricted. It wasn't just about going places, but also about having the power to make your own choices and live your life the way you wanted.
Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Freedom
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using the word "freedom":
Common Phrases:
Freedom of speech: The right to express your opinions and beliefs without censorship.
Freedom of religion: The right to practise your religion or none at all.
Fight for freedom: To actively oppose oppression and strive for independence.
Gain one's freedom: To be released from captivity or confinement.
Grant freedom: To give someone the liberty to do something.
Idioms:
As free as a bird: Completely unrestricted and able to do as you please.
Taste of freedom: A brief experience of liberty after being restricted.
Longing for freedom: A deep desire to be free from limitations or oppression.
Take away someone's freedom: To deprive someone of their liberty and choices.
Ring of freedom: A symbol of liberation and independence.
Posts Related to Freedom
Source Information
Definition of freedom from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.