French word

liberté

Pronunciation

IPA/libɛʁte/

Meaning

  • feminine nounfreedom

Example

Je veux préserver ma liberté et décider par moi-même.

I want to preserve my freedom and decide for myself.

Illustration for liberté (freedom)

More examples

La liberté d'expression est essentielle dans une démocratie.

Freedom of expression is essential in a democracy.

Core concept

A person holds the power to choose rather than obey an imposed decision.

Common phrases

  • liberté d'expression

    freedom of expression

  • liberté individuelle

    individual freedom

  • liberté de la presse

    freedom of the press

Similar words

autonomie: The ability to decide and act without relying on others' direction or help.
indépendance: The state of living and making decisions free from outside control or dependence.
choix: The act of selecting one option from several possibilities.
droit: A legitimate right guaranteed to individuals by society or law.

Definition in French

Absence d'oppression ou d'obligation permettant un choix individuel ou une autonomie de décision.

Word origin

Inherited through Old French, liberté continues Latin libertas, the noun built from liber, meaning free.

Usage tips

  • Libre can mean available as well as free, whereas liberté specifically names the state or power of being free.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word