libertad
Lemma Details
Translation: freedom; liberty; independence
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: From Latin 'libertas' (freedom), derived from 'liber' (free). The English words 'liberty' and 'liberation' share this Latin root. The concept of 'libertad' was particularly significant during Latin American independence movements in the 19th century, where it became a rallying cry against colonial rule.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
La libertad es un derecho fundamental.
Freedom is a fundamental right.
Lucharon por la libertad de su país.
They fought for their country's freedom.
El preso recuperó su libertad después de diez años.
The prisoner regained his freedom after ten years.
La libertad de prensa es esencial en una democracia.
Freedom of the press is essential in a democracy.
Mnemonics
- Sounds like 'liberty' with a Spanish twist at the end.
- Think of the Statue of Liberty (Estatua de la Libertad) as a symbol of freedom.
- Liberty + dad = libertad, as if freedom is something passed down from father to child.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, 'libertad' has strong historical significance, particularly in Latin America where it was a central concept in independence movements against Spanish colonial rule. The word appears in many national mottos and anthems throughout Latin America. In Spain, it gained renewed importance after the Franco dictatorship ended in the 1970s.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Libertad' means freedom or liberty, while 'liberalidad' refers to generosity or liberality.
Confused word:
Su liberalidad con los pobres era bien conocida.
His generosity toward the poor was well known.
Notes: While both words share the Latin root 'liber', they developed different meanings in modern Spanish.
Mnemonic: 'Liberalidad' has more letters, suggesting 'more giving' (generosity).
Explanation: 'Libertad' is the state of being free (freedom/liberty), while 'liberación' is the act of becoming free (liberation/release).
Confused word:
La liberación de los prisioneros ocurrió ayer.
The liberation of the prisoners occurred yesterday.
Notes: 'Liberación' focuses on the process of becoming free, while 'libertad' is the resulting state.
Mnemonic: 'Liberación' ends with '-ción' indicating an action or process, while 'libertad' refers to the state or condition.