Rights vs. Freedom: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Published on November 2, 2023
"Rights" are specific entitlements or privileges granted by an authority, while "freedom" refers to the power or condition of acting without hindrance or restraint.
Key Differences
Rights and freedom, though closely related, possess distinctive nuances.
"Rights" are typically entitlements or permissions that are either inherent by virtue of birth, or granted by a governing body or authority. They define what individuals are allowed to do and what protections they can expect.
For instance, the right to free speech ensures that an individual can express their views without fear of government persecution. On the other hand, "freedom" is a broader concept that refers to the absence of restrictions and the ability to act according to one's own will. While rights are specific provisions, freedom is the overarching state or condition where those rights can be enjoyed.
However, it's crucial to understand that rights are means to ensure freedom, but not all freedoms require formal rights. A person might have the freedom to choose their dinner without needing a "right to eat pasta."
Comparison Chart
Nature
Entitlements or privileges
Absence of restraint or hindrance
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Granted By
Often by an authority or inherent due to birth
Inherent state or condition
Scope
Specific provisions or protections
Broad concept of unhindered action
Common Usage
Relating to legal or societal permissions
Referring to general autonomy or liberty
Relation
Means to ensure freedom
The state or condition enabled by rights
Rights and Freedom Definitions
Rights
Entitlements or privileges granted by an authority.
Voting rights allow citizens to choose their leaders.
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Freedom
The state of being unrestricted and able to move easily.
Birds enjoy the freedom of the sky.
Rights
A justifiable claim in relation to others.
We must respect the rights of animals.
Freedom
The right to unrestricted use; full access.
She had the freedom of their home during her stay.
Rights
The interests or ownership a person has in a property.
She sold the rights to her book to a film studio.
Freedom
The power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants.
Everyone values the freedom of expression.
Rights
Conforming with or conformable to justice, law, or morality
Do the right thing and confess.
Freedom
The absence of subjection to foreign domination or tyrannical government.
Many wars have been fought for freedom.
Rights
In accordance with fact, reason, or truth; correct
The right answer.
Freedom
The state of not being imprisoned or enslaved.
After years, he finally found freedom.
Rights
Fitting, proper, or appropriate
It is not right to leave the party without saying goodbye.
Freedom
The condition of not being in prison or captivity
Gave the prisoners their freedom.
Rights
Most favorable, desirable, or convenient
The right time to act.
Freedom
The condition of being free of restraints, especially the ability to act without control or interference by another or by circumstance
In retirement they finally got the freedom to travel.
Rights
In or into a satisfactory state or condition
Put things right.
Freedom
The condition of not being controlled by another nation or political power; political independence.
Rights
In good mental or physical health or order.
Freedom
The condition of not being subject to a despotic or oppressive power; civil liberty.
Rights
Intended to be worn or positioned facing outward or toward an observer
The right side of the dress.
Made sure that the right side of the fabric was visible.
Freedom
The condition of not being constrained or restricted in a specific aspect of life by a government or other power
Freedom of assembly.
Rights
Of, belonging to, located on, or being the side of the body to the south when the subject is facing east.
Freedom
The condition of not being a slave.
Rights
Of, relating to, directed toward, or located on the right side.
Freedom
The condition of not being affected or restricted by a given circumstance or condition
Freedom from want.
Rights
Located on the right side of a person facing downstream
The right bank of a river.
Freedom
The condition of not being bound by established conventions or rules
The new style of painting gave artists new freedoms.
Rights
Often Right Of or belonging to the political or intellectual right.
Freedom
The capacity to act by choice rather than by determination, as from fate or a deity; free will
We have the freedom to do as we please all afternoon.
Rights
Formed by or in reference to a line or plane that is perpendicular to another line or plane.
Freedom
The right to unrestricted use; full access
Was given the freedom of their research facilities.
Rights
Having the axis perpendicular to the base
Right cone.
Freedom
Ease or facility of movement
Loose sports clothing, giving the wearer freedom.
Rights
Having a right angle
A right triangle.
Freedom
(Archaic) Boldness in behavior; lack of modesty or reserve.
Rights
Straight; uncurved; direct
A right line.
Freedom
(uncountable) The state of being free, of not being imprisoned or enslaved.
Having recently been released from prison, he didn't know what to do with his newfound freedom.
Rights
(Archaic) Not spurious; genuine.
Freedom
(countable) The lack of a specific constraint, or of constraints in general; a state of being free, unconstrained.
Freedom of speech is a basic democratic value.
People in our city enjoy many freedoms.
Every child has a right to freedom from fear and freedom from want.
Rights
That which is just, moral, or proper.
Freedom
The right or privilege of unrestricted use or access
Freedom of a city
Rights
The direction or position on the right side.
Freedom
Frankness; openness; unreservedness.
Rights
The right side.
Freedom
Improper familiarity; violation of the rules of decorum.
Rights
The right hand.
Freedom
The state of being free; exemption from the power and control of another; liberty; independence.
Made captive, yet deserving freedom more.
Rights
A turn in the direction of the right hand or side.
Freedom
Privileges; franchises; immunities.
Your charter and your caty's freedom.
Rights
The people and groups who advocate the adoption of conservative or reactionary measures, especially in government and politics. Also called right wing.
Freedom
Exemption from necessity, in choise and action; as, the freedom of the will.
Rights
The opinion of those advocating such measures.
Freedom
Ease; facility; as, he speaks or acts with freedom.
Rights
(Sports) A blow delivered by a boxer's right hand.
Freedom
Frankness; openness; unreservedness.
I emboldened spake and freedom used.
Rights
(Baseball) Right field.
Freedom
Improper familiarity; violation of the rules of decorum; license.
Rights
A just or legal claim or title.
Freedom
Generosity; liberality.
Rights
Something that is due to a person or governmental body by law, tradition, or nature.
Freedom
The condition of being free; the power to act or speak or think without externally imposed restraints
Rights
Something, especially humane treatment, claimed to be due to animals by moral principle.
Freedom
Immunity from an obligation or duty
Rights
An existing stockholder's legally protected claim to purchase additional shares in a corporation ahead of those who are not currently stockholders, especially at a cost lower than market value.
Rights
The negotiable paper on which such an entitlement is indicated.
Rights
Toward or on the right.
Rights
In a straight line; directly
Went right to school.
Rights
In the proper or desired manner; well
The jacket doesn't fit right.
Rights
Exactly; just
The accident happened right over there.
Rights
Immediately
Called me right after dinner.
Rights
Completely; quite
The icy wind blew right through me.
Rights
According to law, morality, or justice.
Rights
Accurately; correctly
Answered the question right.
Rights
Chiefly Southern US Considerably; very
They have a right nice place.
Rights
Used as an intensive
Kept right on going.
Rights
Used in titles
The Right Reverend Jane Smith.
Rights
To put in or restore to an upright or proper position
They righted their boat.
Rights
To put in order or set right; correct
Measures designed to right generations of unfair labor practices.
Rights
To make reparation or amends for; redress
Right a wrong.
Rights
To regain an upright or proper position.
Rights
Plural of right
Rights
Just claims or titles, whether legal, prescriptive, or moral.
He claimed rights to the property through inheritance.
Rights
That which is morally, legally, or ethically proper.
It's your right to know the truth.
FAQs
Are rights the same globally?
No, they vary based on cultures, nations, and legal systems.
Is "freedom" always positive?
Mostly, but excessive freedom without responsibility can be harmful.
Can freedom exist without rights?
Yes, one can have freedoms without specific rights, but rights ensure certain freedoms.
Are all freedoms rights?
No, but many freedoms are protected by rights.
How are rights enforced?
Often through legal systems or societal norms.
Are rights always legally binding?
Not always. Some are moral or societal rather than legal.
Can rights be taken away?
Some can, especially if granted by an authority, but inherent rights are viewed as inalienable.
Can freedom be restricted for the greater good?
Yes, like curbing freedoms during emergencies for public safety.
Is "freedom" absolute?
No, it often comes with responsibilities and limitations.
Is "freedom" only a political concept?
No, it can be personal, societal, or even philosophical.
What does "freedom of conscience" entail?
The freedom to have personal beliefs and to act on them.
Can rights conflict with each other?
Yes, e.g., the right to privacy vs. the right to information.
What is "economic freedom"?
The ability of individuals to control their own economic resources.
Do animals have rights?
Many argue for animal rights, ensuring their fair treatment and protection.
Are digital rights the same as traditional rights?
They address similar principles but pertain to the digital realm, like internet access.
Can rights evolve over time?
Yes, as societies change, rights can be redefined or expanded.
What's "freedom of the press"?
The right of journalists to publish without government interference.
What's the "Bill of Rights"?
It's the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, guaranteeing certain rights.
What does "freedom of association" mean?
The right to join or leave groups of one's own choosing.
Are human rights universal?
They're regarded as universal, but interpretation and application can vary.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
