Words / B1

LIB-uh-tee/ˈlɪbəti/

Liberty is freedom from unfair control (often uncountable). At liberty to means free to do something. Freedom is the everyday twin; civil liberties are legal rights. Do not mix with library. Appeals: you are at liberty to appeal within ten working days.

Meaning

The freedom to live and act without unfair control; at liberty means free to do something.

Examples

• “You are at liberty to appeal within ten working days.”
• “Civil liberty arguments appeared in the protest reporting.”

Good to know

at liberty to + verb. Everyday: freedom. Legal: civil liberties. Mix-up: library. Appeals / human-rights news. Often uncountable.

Near in meaning

freedom

New