liberty of speech: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (The phrase 'freedom of speech' is significantly more common.)Formal, Legal, Historical
Quick answer
What does “liberty of speech” mean?
The right to express one's opinions without censorship, restraint, or legal penalty.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The right to express one's opinions without censorship, restraint, or legal penalty.
A fundamental democratic principle, often enshrined in law, protecting freedom of expression, including for unpopular or controversial views. It is closely related to, and often used interchangeably with, 'freedom of speech'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both terms are understood, but 'freedom of speech' is the dominant term in both varieties. 'Liberty of speech' may appear more frequently in historical British legal texts or formal discourse.
Connotations
In the UK, 'liberty of speech' may sound archaic or specifically legal. In the US, it is strongly associated with the First Amendment, but 'freedom of speech' is the standard phrasing.
Frequency
'Freedom of speech' is overwhelmingly more frequent in both corpora. 'Liberty of speech' is a low-frequency, marked variant.
Grammar
How to Use “liberty of speech” in a Sentence
to defend the liberty of speechthe constitutional liberty of speechto exercise one's liberty of speechVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “liberty of speech” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The MP sought to liberty-of-speech his controversial views, but was ruled out of order.
- They liberty-of-speeched their dissent in the town square.
American English
- The activist attempted to liberty-of-speech the grievance, citing the First Amendment.
- He liberty-of-speeched his opposition to the policy.
adverb
British English
- He spoke liberty-of-speech-ly, without fear.
- The pamphlet was written liberty-of-speech-ly.
American English
- She expressed herself liberty-of-speech-ly during the hearing.
- They protested liberty-of-speech-ly.
adjective
British English
- The liberty-of-speech principle is foundational.
- They engaged in a liberty-of-speech debate.
American English
- A liberty-of-speech argument was presented to the court.
- The group has liberty-of-speech concerns.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in corporate ethics policies: 'The company respects the liberty of speech of its employees within legal bounds.'
Academic
Used in political philosophy, law, and history papers discussing the development of democratic rights.
Everyday
Very rare. 'Freedom of speech' is used exclusively in casual conversation.
Technical
Found in legal and constitutional documents as a formal term for the right to express opinions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “liberty of speech”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “liberty of speech”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “liberty of speech”
- Using 'liberty of speech' in casual conversation instead of 'freedom of speech'.
- Incorrectly capitalizing it as 'Liberty of Speech' (unless starting a sentence or in a title).
- Misspelling as 'liberty of speach'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in meaning they are essentially synonymous. 'Freedom of speech' is the modern, far more common term, while 'liberty of speech' is a formal, somewhat archaic variant.
Almost never in everyday language. Use it only in very formal, legal, or historical writing where the archaic tone is deliberate and appropriate.
The phrase itself is not typically the official legal term in modern statutes. For example, the US Constitution uses the phrasing 'freedom of speech'. The phrase 'liberty of speech' might be found in older documents or philosophical discussions.
Yes, like freedom of speech, it is generally not absolute. Legal systems typically impose limits, such as prohibitions on libel, slander, incitement to violence, obscenity, and perjury.
The right to express one's opinions without censorship, restraint, or legal penalty.
Liberty of speech is usually formal, legal, historical in register.
Liberty of speech: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɪbəti əv ˈspiːtʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɪbərti əv ˈspiːtʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To stand on one's liberty of speech (archaic)”
- “To cry 'liberty of speech' (historical)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the **Statue of Liberty** speaking her mind freely. 'Liberty' gives you the **liberty** to have 'speech'.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPEECH IS A FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT (a possession or territory to be defended).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most common modern equivalent of 'liberty of speech'?