liberty
Definitions
The state of being free from control, oppression, or imprisonment
自由；不受控制、压迫或监禁的状态
A specific right or freedom granted to a person (often plural: liberties)
（常用复数 liberties）具体的自由权利
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedliber (free) + -ty (state of) = 'the state of being free.' Straight from Latin lībertā(s). Where 'free' is the adjective, liberty is the noun that names the whole condition — the right to think, speak, and act without being held down.
Root lib still carries 6 more wordsUsage Guide
- Formal/political (most common): civil liberty, religious liberty — freedom as a right.
- Idiom 'take the liberty of (doing)': politely act without asking first — a soft way to say 'I went ahead and...'.
- Idiom 'at liberty to': be free/permitted to do something (slightly formal).
- Everyday speech usually prefers freedom; reserve liberty for rights, law, and set phrases.
Example Sentences
- 1.
The constitution protects the liberty of every citizen.
- 2.
Prisoners lose their liberty but keep their basic rights.
- 3.
May I take the liberty of asking how old you are?
- 4.
You are at liberty to leave whenever you wish.
Easily Confused
liberty vs freedom — They overlap, but freedom is the broad, everyday word (freedom of choice, feel free), while liberty is narrower and more formal, framing freedom as a granted right or legal condition (civil liberties, the Statue of Liberty). You'd say 'freedom to travel,' not 'liberty to travel,' in casual speech.