of human bondage
LowLiterary, Formal, Philosophical
Definition
Meaning
A state of being bound, enslaved, or controlled by human limitations, desires, or societal constraints; the condition of lacking freedom due to human nature or circumstance.
A metaphorical or literal condition of servitude, addiction, or subjugation to passions, habits, relationships, or social systems. Often refers to the human condition of being trapped by one's own nature, dependencies, or external forces.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This is a noun phrase, not a single lexeme. Its meaning is heavily influenced by its famous use as the title of W. Somerset Maugham's 1915 novel. It carries strong metaphorical and existential connotations beyond literal slavery.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The phrase is equally recognized in both varieties due to the novel's fame.
Connotations
In both varieties, it evokes literary and philosophical discourse. It may be slightly more culturally present in British English due to the author's nationality.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in everyday speech. Used almost exclusively in literary, academic, or philosophical contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] is a story/novel/treatise of human bondage.[Subject] seeks to escape/transcend the [adjective] human bondage of [object].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “In bondage to (one's) passions”
- “The bonds of society”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Could be used metaphorically in leadership/ethics discussions: 'The company sought to free itself from the human bondage of outdated hierarchical structures.'
Academic
Used in literary criticism, philosophy, sociology, and history to discuss themes of constraint, addiction, social roles, and existential limits.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation. Might be referenced in educated discussion about literature or philosophy.
Technical
Not used in technical fields like engineering or medicine. Relevant in psychoanalysis or social theory.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The novel offers a profound, human-bondage narrative.
- His was a human-bondage experience.
American English
- She analyzed the human-bondage theme.
- It's a classic human-bondage story.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The book 'Of Human Bondage' is very famous.
- He felt trapped in a job he hated.
- The philosopher wrote about the human bondage to material desires.
- Maugham's novel explores the bondage of a destructive relationship.
- Her thesis examined the theme of human bondage in 20th-century literature, focusing on both societal and psychological constraints.
- The artist's work symbolizes the struggle to break free from the human bondage of inherited trauma and social expectation.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the famous book cover: a human figure wrapped in chains (BOND-age). BOND reminds you of being tied, AGE reminds you it's a human condition.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS BONDAGE / CONSTRAINTS ARE CHAINS / PASSIONS ARE MASTERS
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'of' literally as 'из' or 'от'. The phrase is a genitive/descriptive construction. A closer conceptual translation is 'человеческое рабство' or 'рабство человеческого духа/природы'.
- Do not confuse 'bondage' solely with BDSM contexts; in this phrase, it is philosophical/literary.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a verb phrase (e.g., 'He human bondages').
- Confusing it with 'in human bondage' which is less idiomatic.
- Using it in inappropriate informal contexts.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the phrase 'of human bondage' MOST appropriately used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, literary phrase. Its recognition stems primarily from the title of Somerset Maugham's famous novel.
No. In this specific, fixed phrase, 'bondage' retains its older, broader meaning of slavery, servitude, or a state of being bound. The sexual connotation is a modern, specialized sense that does not apply here.
It would sound highly unusual and pretentious in casual talk. It is reserved for formal, literary, academic, or philosophical discussions.
It is a preposition forming a genitive/descriptive noun phrase. It links 'bondage' to 'human,' specifying the type of bondage (bondage that is characteristically human). Similar to 'a moment of silence' or 'a man of honour'.