OPINION — The English language is rich in vocabulary drawn from French, Latin, Greek and many other languages. This allows us to describe the world drawing on a wide range of words.
Just as some languages and cultures have many terms for “snow,” English speakers have multiple words for freedom.
“Liberty” is drawn from French; “freedom” from German. We often use “liberty” and “freedom” interchangeably, but there are differences. “Liberty” carries with it the notion of responsibility. “Freedom” is more about doing whatever one wants. People talk about “liberty and responsibility,” or “ordered liberty.” No one talks about “ordered freedom.” “Liberty” implies using freedom responsibly.
