Free meaning depends on how you use the word in a sentence. It most commonly describes something that costs nothing, a person who has no restrictions, or someone who is available. The word also appears in everyday expressions such as free of charge, for free, and feel free. Understanding these meanings helps you use free correctly in conversations, academic writing, and professional communication.
In English, free can function as an adjective, a verb, or part of a common expression. Its related forms include freedom, freely, and freed. Although these words share a connection, each serves a different grammatical purpose. This guide explains the definition of free, its slang meaning, pronunciation, synonyms, sentence examples, and differences from similar words.
What Does Free Mean?
Free means costing nothing or being without control, restrictions, or limitations. It can also describe someone who is available or something that is unoccupied. The intended meaning depends on the surrounding words. For example, a free ticket costs nothing, while a free person can make choices without someone else controlling them.
Consider these examples:
- No cost: The library offers free computer classes.
- Freedom: The citizens are free to express their opinions.
- Availability: Are you free this evening?
- Unoccupied: Is this seat free?
- Absence of something: The drinking water is free from harmful contaminants.
These meanings share a general idea: something is available, unrestricted, or not subject to a particular burden.
However, context matters. If a restaurant advertises a free meal, customers expect not to pay for that meal. If someone says they finally feel free, they probably mean they have escaped a restriction, obligation, or emotional burden.
Free Meaning in English
In English, free has several related meanings that appear in daily conversations, books, advertisements, and professional documents. The word can describe price, personal liberty, availability, or the absence of an unwanted condition.
For example, a company might offer a free software trial, while a student might say they are free after class. Both sentences use the same word, but they communicate different ideas.
Here are the main meanings of free in English:
- Without payment: You can use or receive something without paying for it.
- Without restrictions: You can act or make decisions without unnecessary control.
- Available: You have time to do something.
- Unoccupied: A seat, room, or position is not being used.
- Without a particular problem: Something is free from errors, danger, or unwanted material.
Understanding these distinctions helps you interpret the word accurately instead of assuming it always refers to money.
Different Meanings of Free With Examples
The word free changes meaning according to the noun, verb, or expression around it.
| Meaning | Explanation | Example |
| No cost | Nothing needs to be paid | The museum offers free entry. |
| Personal liberty | Not controlled by another person | She wants to live a free life. |
| Availability | Having time for an activity | I’m free after lunch. |
| Unoccupied | Not currently in use | The parking space is free. |
| Without a substance | Not containing a specified material | This drink is caffeine-free. |
| Permission | Having the right or opportunity to act | Feel free to contact me. |
Notice that the word does not always mean something is completely unrestricted. A free software application, for instance, may cost nothing but still have usage limits, advertising, or paid features.
Likewise, a person who is free this afternoon may still have other responsibilities. The word describes freedom or availability in a particular context, not necessarily the absence of every restriction.
Define Free: Definition and Part of Speech
The word free can work as an adjective or a verb. In some expressions, it also appears in adverbial constructions. Its grammatical role determines how it functions in a sentence.
For example, in “The service is free,” the word describes the service. In “They will free the animal,” it describes an action. Recognizing the difference helps you build correct sentences and choose the right word form.
Free as an Adjective
As an adjective, free describes a person, object, service, or situation. It can refer to something that costs nothing, someone who has independence, or something that is available.
Examples include:
- The hotel provides free breakfast.
- She is free to choose her career.
- Are you free tomorrow?
- The office has a free parking space.
- The report is free from grammatical errors.
In each sentence, free describes a noun or a person’s condition.
You will often find the adjective before a noun, as in “free education,” or after a linking verb, as in “education is free.”
The word can also appear after a noun with a phrase that explains the restriction involved. For example, “The residents are free from unnecessary interference” describes a lack of interference rather than a lack of cost.
Free as a Verb
As a verb, free means to release someone or something from confinement, control, restraint, or an obstacle.
Examples:
- The rescue team worked to free the trapped hiker.
- The organization wants to free workers from unsafe conditions.
- She opened the cage to free the bird.
- The update may free up storage space on your phone.
The verb often appears with an object. Someone frees a person, releases an animal, or frees up a resource.
The expression free up has a related but more specific meaning. It usually means making time, space, money, or another resource available.
For example, “I moved some files to free up storage space” means the action created room for additional files.
Free as an Adverb
Although free appears in some expressions with an adverbial function, freely is the more common standard adverb when describing how an action happens.
Compare these sentences:
- The birds roam free.
- The birds roam freely.
- She spoke freely about her experience.
- The children ran free through the garden.
Both free and freely can describe movement or behavior in suitable contexts. However, freely often emphasizes the manner in which an action occurs, while free can emphasize a state of liberty.
For formal writing, use freely when it makes the intended meaning clearer. For example, “Participants may speak freely” sounds natural in a research or meeting context.
Free Meaning Slang: What Does Free Mean in Texting?
In slang and informal conversation, free usually means that something costs nothing, someone is available, or a person can act without restrictions. The word itself is not necessarily slang; its meaning comes from the conversational context. Online, people often use it in short messages about time, money, offers, and personal situations.
For example:
- “I’m free” means the person is available.
- “It’s free” means no payment is required.
- “Free stuff!” refers to items being given away without charge.
- “Finally free!” can express relief after finishing an obligation.
The tone may be casual, excited, or relieved, depending on the situation.
Free Meaning in Text Messages and Social Media
Text messages often leave out background information because the people communicating already understand the situation.
Suppose a friend texts, “Are you free?” They probably want to know whether you have time to meet or talk. If a social media post says, “Free books today,” the writer likely means people can collect the books without paying.
Here are more examples:
| Message | Likely meaning |
| “I’m free after 6.” | I am available after 6 p.m. |
| “This game is free.” | You can download or play it without paying, subject to any stated conditions. |
| “Free coffee at the event!” | Coffee is being offered at no cost. |
| “At last, I’m free.” | I have escaped an obligation or restriction. |
| “Feel free to message me.” | You are welcome to send me a message. |
Important: Do not assume every online offer is completely free just because it uses the word. Some offers require a subscription, payment details, shipping fees, or a later purchase. Check the conditions before signing up.
What Does “Set Me Free” Mean?
Set me free means release me from control, confinement, or a situation that limits my independence. People also use the phrase figuratively to describe escaping emotional pressure, unhealthy expectations, or an unwanted commitment.
For example, “The rescuers set the animal free” describes a literal release. In contrast, “Leaving that stressful job helped set me free” describes a feeling of relief and independence.
The phrase appears in ordinary conversation, literature, music, and emotional messages because it expresses a desire for greater control over one’s life.
Similar expressions include:
- Let me go.
- Release me.
- Give me my freedom.
- Let me make my own choices.
These alternatives are not always interchangeable. “Release me” may sound formal or urgent, while “give me my freedom” emphasizes independence.
Free of Charge Meaning
Free of charge means that a product, service, or activity is provided without requiring payment. The expression focuses on cost rather than personal liberty. Businesses commonly use it to explain that customers do not need to pay for a particular service or item.
For example, a store might repair a product free of charge under a warranty. A hotel might provide airport transportation free of charge to eligible guests.
The phrase can make an offer clearer because it explicitly identifies the financial meaning of free.
Free vs. Free of Charge
Both expressions can communicate that something costs nothing, but they differ slightly in style and emphasis.
Free is shorter and more flexible. It works in everyday conversation and before nouns, as in “free delivery.”
Free of charge is more explicit. It often appears in customer service messages, formal announcements, and explanations of business terms.
Compare the following examples:
- Free: The company offers free installation.
- Free of charge: The company will install the equipment free of charge.
- Free: Admission is free.
- Free of charge: Visitors can enter the exhibition free of charge.
The second expression is especially useful when you want to emphasize that a payment is not required for a specific service.
Free of Charge Examples
Here are several examples showing how the expression works in different situations:
- The clinic provides the initial consultation free of charge.
- Customers can receive a replacement free of charge if the product qualifies under the warranty.
- The hotel offers airport transfers free of charge to eligible guests.
- Students can access selected learning materials free of charge.
- The technician inspected the device free of charge.
In business writing, make the conditions clear. If only the inspection is free, do not imply that repairs or replacement parts are also free.
For example, “The inspection is free of charge, but replacement parts cost extra” communicates the offer accurately.
Free in a Sentence: Examples and Usage
The easiest way to understand free is to see how writers use it in complete sentences. The word can describe price, personal liberty, availability, or the absence of a particular condition.
The following examples demonstrate these meanings in everyday, professional, educational, and technological contexts.
Simple Sentences With Free
- The school offers free English classes to local residents.
- My brother is free this weekend.
- The bird flew free after the cage opened.
- Please feel free to ask questions.
- Is the seat beside you free?
- The app is free to download.
- She finally felt free from worry.
- We received free tickets to the exhibition.
- The children had free time after lunch.
- The company provides free delivery on qualifying orders.
Each sentence uses free in a slightly different way. Some describe a lack of cost, while others express availability or freedom from restrictions.
Free in Professional and Academic Writing
In professional writing, the word often appears in descriptions of services, access, permissions, and eligibility.
Examples include:
- The organization provides free access to selected training materials.
- Participants are free to withdraw from the study, subject to the stated research procedures.
- Employees are free to submit suggestions through the internal portal.
- The software includes a free trial with limited features.
- The property is described as free from certain restrictions in the relevant agreement.
Be careful when using free in legal, financial, or contractual writing. Phrases such as “free of liens” or “free from encumbrances” have specific implications and should not be treated as casual synonyms for “free of charge.”
If a document concerns legal rights or property ownership, use the precise wording required by the relevant agreement and jurisdiction.
Common Expressions With Free
Several English expressions use free in ways that learners should recognize.
| Expression | Meaning | Example |
| Feel free | You are welcome to do something | Feel free to contact us. |
| Free time | Time without scheduled obligations | I read during my free time. |
| Free speech | The ability to express opinions, subject to the applicable legal context | The class discussed free speech. |
| Free trial | Temporary access to a product or service, often under specific conditions | I started a seven-day free trial. |
| Free of charge | Without payment | The repair was completed free of charge. |
| Set free | Release from control or confinement | The animal was set free. |
| Free up | Make a resource available | I deleted old files to free up space. |
| Free range | A production or farming system involving access to outdoor space, subject to applicable standards | The label describes free-range eggs. |
Some expressions have specialized meanings. For example, a free trial may require a subscription after the trial period. Always check the terms before assuming that future use will also cost nothing.
How to Pronounce Free
The word free is pronounced /friː/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). It has one syllable and ends with a long vowel sound similar to the vowel in see. Begin with the consonant cluster /fr/, then move smoothly into the vowel without inserting an extra syllable.
To practice, say these short phrases aloud:
- Free time
- Free ticket
- Feel free
- Free to go
The pronunciation stays the same across these common expressions, although the surrounding sounds may affect how smoothly the words connect in natural speech.
Common Pronunciation Mistakes
English learners sometimes struggle with the initial consonant cluster in free. The /f/ and /r/ sounds should connect directly, without an extra vowel between them.
Compare these words:
| Word | Pronunciation | Difference |
| Free | /friː/ | Begins with /fr/ and has a long vowel |
| Flee | /fliː/ | Begins with /fl/ |
| Three | /θriː/ | Begins with the unvoiced “th” sound /θ/ |
To improve your pronunciation, practice free in short phrases rather than repeating the isolated word only. For example, say “free food,” then “feel free,” and finally “I’m free today.”
This approach helps you connect the consonants naturally and use the word comfortably in conversation.
Free or For Free: Which Is Correct?
Both free and for free are correct expressions when you mean that something costs nothing. The difference lies mainly in sentence structure and emphasis. Use free to describe an item or service, while for free commonly emphasizes receiving or obtaining something without payment.
For example, “The tickets are free” describes the tickets. “We got the tickets for free” emphasizes how you obtained them.
When to Use Free
Use free as an adjective when it describes a noun or follows a linking verb.
Examples:
- The museum offers free admission.
- This is a free online course.
- Delivery is free for qualifying orders.
- The company provides free technical support.
- The application is free to download.
This construction is especially common in advertisements, product descriptions, and everyday conversation.
When to Use For Free
Use for free when you want to emphasize that someone receives, obtains, or does something without paying.
Examples:
- I downloaded the application for free.
- We watched the movie for free.
- She received the books for free.
- You can try the service for free during the promotional period.
The phrase is conversational and natural in American English. In formal business writing, at no cost or free of charge may sometimes fit better.
Free vs. For Free: Comparison Table
| Expression | Typical use | Example |
| Free | Describes something that costs nothing | The meal is free. |
| For free | Emphasizes obtaining something without payment | We ate for free. |
| Free of charge | Clearly states that payment is not required | Delivery is free of charge. |
| At no cost | Often used in formal or business writing | Training is available at no cost. |
Writing tip: Avoid treating one expression as universally more correct than the others. Choose the version that fits the sentence and the tone you want.
For instance, “The service is free” is concise, while “You can use the service for free” emphasizes the user’s experience.
Free vs. Freed: Meaning and Grammar
Free and freed are related forms of the same verb, but they do not always perform the same grammatical function. Freed is the simple past and past participle of the verb free.
The distinction becomes clear when you compare “The prisoner is free” with “The guards freed the prisoner.”
When to Use Free
Use free when describing someone’s current state or when expressing the base form of the verb.
Examples:
- The bird is free.
- The workers want to free the trapped animal.
- We need to free up more space.
- You are free to leave whenever you finish.
In the first sentence, free describes a state. In the second, it describes an action that someone wants to perform.
When to Use Freed
Use freed when describing an action that happened in the past or a release expressed through a passive construction.
Examples:
- The rescuers freed the trapped hiker.
- The bird was freed from its cage.
- The new policy freed up additional resources.
- She felt freed from an unnecessary obligation.
The word often appears with from, especially when the sentence identifies what someone escaped.
For example, “The family was freed from debt” describes a change in circumstances. The sentence does not necessarily mean the family became wealthy; it means the debt no longer restricted them in the same way.
Free vs. Freed Examples
| Sentence | Grammar | Meaning |
| The prisoner is free. | Adjective | The prisoner is not confined. |
| They free the animals every spring. | Present-tense verb | They release the animals regularly. |
| They freed the animal yesterday. | Simple past | The release happened in the past. |
| The animal was freed yesterday. | Passive construction | The animal received the action of being released. |
A common mistake is using free for a completed past action without a suitable auxiliary verb or construction.
For example, “They freed the prisoner yesterday” is correct for a completed event. “They free the prisoner yesterday” is generally incorrect when describing that same completed past event.
Synonyms of Free: Words With Similar Meanings
The best synonyms of free depend on the meaning you intend to communicate. Complimentary works well for something offered without payment, while independent describes freedom from control. Choosing a synonym based only on a dictionary list can change the meaning of your sentence.
Group synonyms by context to avoid that problem.
Synonyms of Free Meaning No Cost
Use these words and phrases when describing something that costs nothing:
- Complimentary: Provided as a courtesy without an additional charge.
- Gratis: Given without payment; often used in formal or specialized contexts.
- Cost-free: Available without a financial cost.
- Without charge: A direct way to say that no payment is required.
- At no cost: Common in professional and promotional writing.
Examples:
- The hotel provides complimentary breakfast.
- The charity distributes supplies gratis.
- Customers can attend the workshop at no cost.
- The company offers a cost-free assessment.
These terms can carry different implications. Complimentary often suggests a service or item supplied as a courtesy, while gratis may sound formal or less conversational.
Synonyms of Free Meaning Freedom or Independence
Use these alternatives when the word describes liberty, autonomy, or the absence of restrictions.
- Independent: Not controlled by another person or organization.
- Unrestricted: Not limited by a particular rule or condition.
- Unconstrained: Not held back by a limitation.
- Liberated: Released from control or oppression.
- Unconfined: Not held within a physical or figurative boundary.
Examples:
- She became financially independent.
- The team had unrestricted access to the relevant materials.
- The artist felt unconstrained by traditional rules.
- The community celebrated its liberated status.
These synonyms are not interchangeable in every situation. For example, a person can be independent without having complete freedom in every area of life.
Synonyms of Free Meaning Available
When free means that someone has time or a place is unoccupied, consider these alternatives:
- Available: Ready for use or able to participate.
- Unoccupied: Not currently being used.
- Open: Available for use, entry, or participation.
- At liberty: Permitted or able to act freely.
Examples:
- Are you available for a meeting tomorrow?
- The room is unoccupied.
- Registration is still open.
- She is at liberty to make her own decision.
For scheduling, available usually sounds more precise than free. For a vacant seat, unoccupied may be clearer.
Free Synonyms Comparison Table
| Word | Best context | Example |
| Complimentary | Services or items offered without charge | The hotel provides complimentary breakfast. |
| Gratis | Goods or services provided without payment | Admission is available gratis. |
| Independent | Freedom from control | She is financially independent. |
| Unoccupied | A vacant place or position | Is this room unoccupied? |
| Liberated | Release from control or oppression | The people felt liberated. |
| Available | Time or access | I’m available after lunch. |
| Unrestricted | No specified limits | The account provides unrestricted access to the archive. |
When editing your writing, ask what free actually means in the sentence. If the meaning concerns price, choose a cost-related synonym. If it concerns liberty, choose a word that expresses independence or release.
Freedom vs. Free: Meaning and Differences
Free and freedom share a meaning related to liberty, but they have different grammatical roles.
Compare “The press is free” with “Freedom of the press matters.” The first sentence describes the press, while the second identifies a concept.
Free Examples
Use free to describe a person, group, or situation.
- The students are free to choose their topics.
- The country has a free press, within its legal and institutional context.
- She wants to free the animal from the trap.
- I am free after work.
The adjective often appears with to when explaining what someone is permitted or able to do: “You are free to leave.”
As a verb, it describes releasing someone or something from a restriction.
Freedom Examples
Use freedom when naming liberty, independence, or the ability to make choices.
- Freedom of speech allows people to express their opinions within the relevant legal framework.
- The family valued its freedom to make personal decisions.
- Financial freedom was one of her long-term goals.
- The novel explores the relationship between responsibility and freedom.
Unlike free, the noun can serve as the subject or object of a sentence. For example, “Freedom matters” uses it as the subject, while “They fought for freedom” uses it as the object of the preposition for.
Related Words: Free, Freedom, Freely, and Freed
These words share a root but serve different purposes.
| Word | Part of speech | Meaning | Example |
| Free | Adjective or verb | Without cost or restrictions; to release | The service is free. |
| Freedom | Noun | The state or condition of being free | Freedom matters to them. |
| Freely | Adverb | Without unnecessary restriction | She spoke freely. |
| Freed | Past-tense or past-participle verb form | Released from control or confinement | The animal was freed. |
Learning these word forms can improve sentence variety. Instead of repeating “free” several times in a paragraph, you can use freedom when discussing the concept, freely when describing an action, and freed when describing a completed release.
What Does Free Mobile Mean?
Free mobile is an ambiguous phrase that may refer to a mobile phone or service offered without payment, a free mobile application, a promotional mobile-data offer, or a company or service brand. The intended meaning depends on the surrounding words and the searcher’s context.
For example, “free mobile app” generally means an application that can be downloaded without an upfront payment. “Free mobile data” may describe a promotional allowance, while “free mobile phone” may refer to a device supplied under specific conditions.
Free Mobile in Everyday Usage
Here are examples showing how the phrase can be used:
- I downloaded a free mobile app to learn English.
- The provider advertised free mobile data for new customers.
- The company offers a free mobile service trial.
- She received a free mobile phone as part of a promotional package.
A free offer does not always mean that every related service costs nothing. A phone may require a paid contract, an application may charge for premium features, or a mobile-data offer may expire after a limited period.
Before accepting an offer, check:
- Whether the device or service has an upfront cost.
- Whether you must sign a contract or subscription.
- Whether the offer expires after a trial period.
- Whether activation, delivery, or cancellation fees apply.
For a vocabulary article, the main point is that free still communicates the idea of no cost or no restriction. The phrase free mobile adds a technology-related context that determines exactly what is being offered.
Free vs. Fray: Meaning and Differences
Free and fray are different English words with unrelated meanings. Fray can mean a fight or conflict, or it can describe fabric becoming worn or unraveling at the edges.
The words may cause confusion for learners who encounter them in unfamiliar contexts, but their meanings and grammatical uses are distinct.
Fray Meaning With Examples
As a noun, fray can refer to a fight, argument, or heated confrontation. As a verb, it can mean to wear down or unravel fabric.
Examples of fray as a noun:
- The argument quickly turned into a fray.
- Several people entered the fray to defend their teammate.
- The candidate joined the political fray.
Examples of fray as a verb:
- The edges of the old jeans began to fray.
- Repeated washing caused the fabric to fray.
- Tension between the colleagues started to fray their relationship.
The expression “enter the fray” is figurative. It means to become involved in a conflict, competition, or difficult debate.
Free vs. Fray Comparison Table
| Word | Part of speech | Meaning | Example |
| Free | Adjective or verb | Without cost or restrictions; to release | The online course is free. |
| Fray | Noun | A fight or conflict | The debate became a fray. |
| Fray | Verb | To wear or unravel at the edges | The fabric began to fray. |
If you are writing about price, availability, or personal liberty, use free. If you are describing worn fabric or a conflict, use fray.
Common Mistakes When Using Free
Although free is a familiar English word, writers sometimes use it imprecisely. The most common problems involve confusing cost with availability, mixing up verb forms, and choosing synonyms that do not preserve the intended meaning.
Confusing Free With Available
The word free can mean either “costing nothing” or “not occupied.” The surrounding context usually makes the meaning clear.
Compare these sentences:
- “The application is free.” This means users can obtain it without an upfront payment.
- “The meeting room is free.” This means the room is available or unoccupied.
- “I am free tomorrow.” This means I have time available.
- “The consultation is free.” This means the consultation costs nothing.
If a sentence could be interpreted in two ways, choose a more precise expression.
For example, “The room is available at no cost” communicates both availability and price. “The room is unoccupied” focuses only on whether someone is using it.
Using Free and Freed Incorrectly
Use the form that matches the sentence’s tense and grammatical structure.
Incorrect for a completed past event: “The rescuers free the trapped dog yesterday.”
Correct: “The rescuers freed the trapped dog yesterday.”
The simple past form freed identifies a completed action. By contrast, “The dog is free now” describes the dog’s current state.
Remember these patterns:
- Present action: They free trapped animals when possible.
- Past action: They freed the animal yesterday.
- Present state: The animal is free.
- Passive past: The animal was freed.
Choosing the Wrong Synonym
Not every synonym of free fits every sentence.
For example, “The hotel offers a complimentary breakfast” sounds natural because complimentary refers to something provided without payment. However, “She is complimentary from control” is incorrect because complimentary does not mean independent or liberated.
Choose alternatives based on the intended meaning:
- No payment: complimentary, gratis, or at no cost.
- Independence: independent, unrestricted, or liberated.
- Availability: available, open, or unoccupied.
- Release from confinement: release, liberate, or set free.
Precise word choice makes your writing easier to understand and helps you avoid awkward expressions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Free Meaning
What Does Free Mean in Simple English?
Free means that something costs nothing or that a person or thing is not restricted. It can also mean available or unoccupied. For example, a free meal costs nothing, while a free person can make choices without a particular restriction.
What Does Free Mean in Slang?
In informal conversation, free often means no payment is required or someone is available. A person who texts “I’m free” usually means they have time. A post advertising “free stuff” generally refers to items people can obtain without paying.
What Does Free of Charge Mean?
Free of charge means that a product, service, or activity is provided without requiring payment. For example, “The company replaced the damaged item free of charge” means the customer did not have to pay for the replacement. Conditions may still apply.
Is It Free or For Free?
Both free and for free are correct. Use free to describe something, as in “The service is free.” Use for free when emphasizing how something is obtained, as in “I received the service for free.” Both expressions communicate that no payment is required.
What Is the Difference Between Free and Freed?
Free can describe a state of liberty or serve as the base form of a verb. Freed is the simple past and past participle of the verb free. For example, “The bird is free” describes its state, while “They freed the bird” describes a completed action.
What Are the Best Synonyms for Free?
The best synonym depends on the context. Use complimentary or at no cost when something requires no payment. Choose independent or unrestricted when discussing liberty. Use available or unoccupied when referring to time, space, or access.
Conclusion: Understanding Free Meaning and Usage
The word free has several connected meanings, but context determines which one applies. It can describe something that costs nothing, a person who has independence, someone who is available, or a place that is unoccupied. It can also function as a verb meaning to release someone or something from a restriction.
Remember these key distinctions:
- Free describes something without cost or restrictions.
- Free of charge explicitly means no payment is required.
- For free emphasizes receiving or obtaining something without paying.
- Freed describes a release that happened in the past or appears in a past-participle construction.
- Freedom names the state or condition of being free.
- Fray refers to a conflict or the wearing away of fabric, not the usual meanings of free.
To strengthen your English vocabulary, practice using free in different contexts. Write one sentence about price, another about personal freedom, and a third about availability. Then replace the word with a suitable synonym and check whether the meaning stays the same.
