free press: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Political, Legal
Quick answer
What does “free press” mean?
A system in which newspapers, magazines, and other news sources are not controlled by the government and can publish information and opinions without censorship.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A system in which newspapers, magazines, and other news sources are not controlled by the government and can publish information and opinions without censorship.
The collective media and journalists operating within this principle; often used as a concept representing the fundamental right to freedom of expression and information in a democratic society.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The concept and term are identical and used equally in both varieties. Differences arise in specific legal contexts (e.g., 'First Amendment' in US vs. 'Article 10 of the Human Rights Act' in UK discussions).
Connotations
Carries strong, positive connotations of democracy and liberty in both cultures, though is often a more frequent topic of public discourse in the US due to constitutional emphasis.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to the centrality of the First Amendment in public discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “free press” in a Sentence
The [COUNTRY] has a free press.[ACTION] is a threat to the free press.A free press is vital for [SOCIETAL GOAL].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “free press” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The government must not seek to muzzle a free press.
American English
- The founding fathers fought to guarantee a free press.
adverb
British English
- The newspaper reported freely, as befits a free press.
American English
- The press operates freely under our system.
adjective
British English
- We enjoy free press principles in this country.
American English
- The free press clause is fundamental to our democracy.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used, except in corporate communications or CSR reports discussing societal values.
Academic
Common in political science, law, media studies, and history papers discussing democracy and civil liberties.
Everyday
Used in political discussions, news commentary, and debates about current events involving media freedom.
Technical
Used in legal documents, human rights reports, and constitutional law.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “free press”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “free press”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “free press”
- Using 'free press' to refer to a newspaper that costs nothing (should be 'free newspaper').
- Misspelling as one word 'freepress' in formal writing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are essentially synonymous. 'Free press' is the institution embodying the principle of 'freedom of the press'.
No. While free from state censorship, it is still subject to laws of libel, slander, national security (in some cases), and obscenity.
In theory, yes, but in practice, the degree of freedom can vary significantly due to economic pressures, political intimidation, or indirect control.
It acts as a watchdog on power, informs the public, facilitates debate, and is considered a cornerstone of accountable governance and human rights.
A system in which newspapers, magazines, and other news sources are not controlled by the government and can publish information and opinions without censorship.
Free press is usually formal, political, legal in register.
Free press: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfriː ˈpres/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfri ˈprɛs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A free press is the lifeblood of democracy.”
- “The price of a free press is eternal vigilance.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a newspaper that is 'FREE' to PRINT what it wants, without being locked up (pressed) by government control.
Conceptual Metaphor
A free press is a WATCHDOG (protecting society), a LIFEBLOOD (essential for a healthy democracy), and a MARKETPLACE (of ideas).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'free press'?