Liberties
'lɪbərtiz
Definitions
2 meaningsThe state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behavior, or political views.
'lɪbərtiz
Freedoms and rights enjoyed by a person or community.
The citizens of the country enjoy many personal liberties.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're allowed to do what you want, as long as you don't hurt anyone else. Liberties are the things that let you make your own choices, like choosing your own friends, what to wear, or what to believe. For example: "She took the liberty of inviting her friends to the party."
👶 For kids: Liberties are like when you have the freedom to do what you want, like playing with your toys or going outside.
More Examples
The bill aimed to restrict certain liberties related to free speech.
She took the liberty of rearranging the furniture in the room.
How It's Used
"Citizens often demand their civil liberties be protected by law."
"The new policy infringes upon individual liberties."
An instance of exceeding the usual limits or standards, especially in behavior or speech; an act of trespassing on someone else's rights or sensibilities.
'lɪbərtiz
An instance of going beyond acceptable or expected bounds.
The artist took artistic liberties with the landscape, exaggerating certain features.
💡 Simply: Sometimes we 'take liberties' with things, meaning we go a little bit too far or do something without permission. Like, imagine you borrow your friend's car without asking – that's taking a liberty! Example: 'He took a few liberties with the recipe, adding extra spices.'
👶 For kids: Sometimes 'liberties' means doing something you're not really supposed to do, like eating all the cookies without asking!
More Examples
He took the liberty of using her notes without her permission.
The film takes liberties with historical facts.
How It's Used
"He took certain liberties with the truth to make the story more exciting."
"She took the liberty of using his phone without asking."
Idioms & expressions
take liberties
To behave in a way that is not appropriate or respectful, especially by being too familiar or informal.
"He took liberties with my research and presented it as his own."
From Middle English liberte, from Old French liberté, from Latin lībertās, lībertāt- (“freedom, liberty”), from līber (“free”).
Historically, 'liberties' referred to the specific freedoms and privileges granted to certain groups or communities, particularly in medieval times. Over time, it broadened to encompass general rights and freedoms.
Memory tip
Think of the Statue of Liberty – she symbolizes freedom and the rights that come with it.