liberty
noun uk/ˈlɪb.ə.ti/ us/ˈlɪb.ɚ.t̬i/
(FREEDOM)
B2 [ U ] formal自由
the freedom to live as you wish or go where you want
For most citizens, liberty means the freedom to practise their religious or political beliefs. 对大多数公民而言，自由意味着可以不受限制地信奉自己的宗教或政治信仰。
Hundreds of political prisoners are to be given their liberty (= released from prison). 数百名政治犯将获得自由。
Of the ten men who escaped this morning from Dartmoor Prison, only two are still at liberty (= free or not yet caught). 今晨从达特摩尔监狱逃跑的10人当中，目前只有两人依然在逃。
be at liberty to do somethingC2 formal 被准许做…
to be allowed to do something
I'm not at liberty to reveal any names. 我无权透露任何人的名字。
liberties[ plural ] formal 自由
freedom to live as you wish or go where you want
These laws will restrict our ancient rights and liberties. 这些法律将限制我们由来已久的权利和自由。
- More examples
- He was an apostle of world liberty.
- 'Happiness', 'honesty' and 'liberty' are abstract nouns.
- He fought for his liberty.
- She bought her liberty with hard work.
- I am not at liberty to tell you the facts.
(BAD BEHAVIOUR)
[ C ]放肆，无礼，失礼
an example of speech or behaviour that upsets other people because it shows little respect or does not follow what is thought to be polite or acceptable
What a liberty, to refuse the invitation on your behalf, without even asking you! 太放肆了，连问你都不问就以你的名义一口回绝了邀请！
take liberties (with something) 任意歪曲，随意改动
to change something, especially a piece of writing, in a way that people disagree with
take liberties (with someone)old-fashioned （对某人）过分亲昵，过分亲热;调戏
to be too friendly with someone, usually in a sexual way
Some of the younger women complained that he'd been taking liberties with them. 一些年轻一点的妇女抱怨说他对她们过分亲热。
Idiom
take the liberty of doing somethingidiom formalC1 擅自做…，自行作主干…
to do something that will have an effect on someone else, without asking their permission
I took the liberty of booking theatre seats for us. 我自作主张给大家预订了戏票。