Right vs. Freedom — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 15, 2024
A right is a legal or moral entitlement to have or do something, while a freedom is the power to act without restraint; rights are often protected by law, whereas freedoms are more philosophical in nature.
Difference Between Right and Freedom
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Rights are legally protected entitlements or permissions granted by a legal system or society, such as the right to vote or the right to privacy. These are enforceable by law and are designed to protect individuals' freedoms or to ensure fair treatment. Freedoms, on the other hand, refer to the absence of constraints, offering individuals the ability to act according to their own will, like freedom of speech or freedom to travel.
While rights are specific and often enumerated in legal documents like constitutions, laws, or international treaties, freedoms are broader and can be seen as overarching states of being that rights aim to protect or enhance. For example, the right to freedom of expression is a legal recognition and protection of the broader freedom to express oneself.
Rights often require active protection and enforcement by governments, and may also impose obligations on others. For instance, one person's right to life can impose legal restrictions on others' actions that might threaten that right. Freedoms, in contrast, generally do not impose obligations on others, but rather highlight areas where individuals should not face government or external interference.
The concept of rights can include both 'positive rights', which require action to ensure others can exercise those rights, and 'negative rights', which require inaction (i.e., not infringing on others' rights). Freedoms are typically negative, emphasizing personal autonomy and the absence of restraint, but can also involve positive elements when considering the freedom to access certain resources or services.
In practical terms, the exercise of freedoms can be limited by the rights of others; hence legal systems often balance individual freedoms with the rights and freedoms of others. For example, one's freedom to play loud music might be curtailed to respect another's right to a peaceful environment.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Entitlement or permission protected by law
Power to act without restraint
Nature
Legal, enforceable
Philosophical, broader concept
Protection
Guaranteed by legal systems
Often requires legal acknowledgment
Examples
Right to vote, right to privacy
Freedom of speech, freedom of movement
Implications
May impose obligations on others
Emphasizes absence of external interference
Compare with Definitions
Right
Can be civil, political, or social in nature.
The right to education ensures access to schooling.
Freedom
Not always bound by legal protections.
Personal freedom includes choosing one's lifestyle.
Right
Conforming with or conformable to justice, law, or morality
Do the right thing and confess.
Freedom
Freedom, generally, is having the ability to act or change without constraint. Something is "free" if it can change easily and is not constrained in its present state.
Right
In accordance with fact, reason, or truth; correct
The right answer.
Freedom
The condition of not being in prison or captivity
Gave the prisoners their freedom.
Right
Fitting, proper, or appropriate
It is not right to leave the party without saying goodbye.
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.
Right
Most favorable, desirable, or convenient
The right time to act.
Freedom
The condition of not being controlled by another nation or political power; political independence.
Right
In or into a satisfactory state or condition
Put things right.
Freedom
The condition of not being subject to a despotic or oppressive power; civil liberty.
Right
In good mental or physical health or order.
Freedom
The condition of not being constrained or restricted in a specific aspect of life by a government or other power
Freedom of assembly.
Right
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 a slave.
Right
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 affected or restricted by a given circumstance or condition
Freedom from want.
Right
Of, relating to, directed toward, or located on the right side.
Freedom
The condition of not being bound by established conventions or rules
The new style of painting gave artists new freedoms.
Right
Located on the right side of a person facing downstream
The right bank of a river.
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.
Right
Often Right Of or belonging to the political or intellectual right.
Freedom
The right to unrestricted use; full access
Was given the freedom of their research facilities.
Right
Formed by or in reference to a line or plane that is perpendicular to another line or plane.
Freedom
Ease or facility of movement
Loose sports clothing, giving the wearer freedom.
Right
Having the axis perpendicular to the base
Right cone.
Freedom
(Archaic) Boldness in behavior; lack of modesty or reserve.
Right
Having a right angle
A right triangle.
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.
Right
Straight; uncurved; direct
A right line.
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.
Right
(Archaic) Not spurious; genuine.
Freedom
The right or privilege of unrestricted use or access
Freedom of a city
Right
That which is just, moral, or proper.
Freedom
Frankness; openness; unreservedness.
Right
The direction or position on the right side.
Freedom
Improper familiarity; violation of the rules of decorum.
Right
The right side.
Freedom
The state of being free; exemption from the power and control of another; liberty; independence.
Made captive, yet deserving freedom more.
Right
The right hand.
Freedom
Privileges; franchises; immunities.
Your charter and your caty's freedom.
Right
A turn in the direction of the right hand or side.
Freedom
Exemption from necessity, in choise and action; as, the freedom of the will.
Right
The people and groups who advocate the adoption of conservative or reactionary measures, especially in government and politics. Also called right wing.
Freedom
Ease; facility; as, he speaks or acts with freedom.
Right
The opinion of those advocating such measures.
Freedom
Frankness; openness; unreservedness.
I emboldened spake and freedom used.
Right
(Sports) A blow delivered by a boxer's right hand.
Freedom
Improper familiarity; violation of the rules of decorum; license.
Right
(Baseball) Right field.
Freedom
Generosity; liberality.
Right
A just or legal claim or title.
Freedom
The condition of being free; the power to act or speak or think without externally imposed restraints
Right
Something that is due to a person or governmental body by law, tradition, or nature.
Freedom
Immunity from an obligation or duty
Right
Something, especially humane treatment, claimed to be due to animals by moral principle.
Freedom
The power to act, speak, or think without hindrance.
Freedom of speech allows individuals to express opinions without fear of government retaliation.
Right
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.
Freedom
Inherently linked to individual autonomy.
Freedom to travel enables movement across borders.
Right
The negotiable paper on which such an entitlement is indicated.
Freedom
Broader than rights and more philosophical.
Freedom of thought is an abstract but fundamental human freedom.
Right
Toward or on the right.
Freedom
Can be limited by the rights of others.
Your freedom to play loud music can be limited to respect others’ right to quiet.
Right
In a straight line; directly
Went right to school.
Right
In the proper or desired manner; well
The jacket doesn't fit right.
Right
Exactly; just
The accident happened right over there.
Right
Immediately
Called me right after dinner.
Right
Completely; quite
The icy wind blew right through me.
Right
According to law, morality, or justice.
Right
Accurately; correctly
Answered the question right.
Right
Chiefly Southern US Considerably; very
They have a right nice place.
Right
Used as an intensive
Kept right on going.
Right
Used in titles
The Right Reverend Jane Smith.
Right
To put in or restore to an upright or proper position
They righted their boat.
Right
To put in order or set right; correct
Measures designed to right generations of unfair labor practices.
Right
To make reparation or amends for; redress
Right a wrong.
Right
To regain an upright or proper position.
Right
(archaic) Straight, not bent.
A right line
Right
(geometry) Of an angle, having a size of 90 degrees, or one quarter of a complete rotation; the angle between two perpendicular lines.
The kitchen counter formed a right angle with the back wall.
Right
(geometry) Of a geometric figure, incorporating a right angle between edges, faces, axes, etc.
A right triangle, a right prism, a right cone
Right
Complying with justice, correctness or reason; correct, just, true.
I thought you'd made a mistake, but it seems you were right all along.
It's not right that one person gets all the credit for the group's work.
Right
Appropriate, perfectly suitable; fit for purpose.
Is this the right software for my computer?
Right
Healthy, sane, competent.
I'm afraid my father is no longer in his right mind.
Right
Real; veritable (used emphatically).
You've made a right mess of the kitchen!
Right
(Australia) All right; not requiring assistance.
Right
(dated) Most favourable or convenient; fortunate.
Right
Designating the side of the body which is positioned to the east if one is facing north. This arrow points to the reader's right: →
After the accident, her right leg was slightly shorter than her left.
Right
(geography) Designating the bank of a river (etc.) on one's right when facing downstream (i.e. facing forward while floating with the current); that is, the south bank of a river that flows eastward. If this arrow: ⥴ shows the direction of the current, the tilde is on the right side of the river.
Right
Designed to be placed or worn outward.
The right side of a piece of cloth
Right
(politics) Pertaining to the political right; conservative.
Right
On the right side.
Right
Towards the right side.
Right
Exactly, precisely.
The arrow landed right in the middle of the target.
Luckily we arrived right at the start of the film.
Right
Immediately, directly.
Can't you see it? It's right beside you!
Tom was standing right in front of the TV, blocking everyone's view.
Right
Very, extremely, quite.
I made a right stupid mistake there, didn't I?
I stubbed my toe a week ago and it still hurts right much.
Right
According to fact or truth; actually; truly; really.
Right
In a correct manner.
Do it right or don't do it at all.
Right
To a great extent or degree.
Sir, I am right glad to meet you …
Members of the Queen's Privy Council are styled The Right Honourable for life.
The Right Reverend Monsignor Guido Sarducci.
Right
Yes, that is correct; I agree.
Right
I agree with whatever you say; I have no opinion.
Right
Signpost word to change the subject in a discussion or discourse.
- After that interview, I don't think we should hire her.
- Right — who wants lunch?
- Right — who wants lunch?
Right
Used to check agreement at the end of an utterance.
You're going, right?
Right
Used to add seriousness or decisiveness before a statement.
Right
That which complies with justice, law or reason.
We're on the side of right in this contest.
Right
A legal, just or moral entitlement.
You have no right to go through my personal diary.
Right
The right side or direction.
The pharmacy is just on the right past the bookshop.
Right
The right hand or fist.
Right
The authority to perform, publish, film, or televise a particular work, event, etc.; a copyright.
Right
(politics) The ensemble of right-wing political parties; political conservatives as a group.
The political right holds too much power.
Right
The outward or most finished surface, as of a coin, piece of cloth, a carpet, etc.
Right
(surfing) A wave breaking from right to left (viewed from the shore).
Right
(transitive) To correct.
Righting all the wrongs of the war immediately will be impossible.
Right
(transitive) To set upright.
The tow-truck righted what was left of the automobile.
Right
(intransitive) To return to normal upright position.
When the wind died down, the ship righted.
Right
(transitive) To do justice to; to relieve from wrong; to restore rights to; to assert or regain the rights of.
To right the oppressed
Right
Straight; direct; not crooked; as, a right line.
Right
Upright; erect from a base; having an upright axis; not oblique; as, right ascension; a right pyramid or cone.
Right
Fit; suitable; proper; correct; becoming; as, the right man in the right place; the right way from London to Oxford.
Right
Conformed to the constitution of man and the will of God, or to justice and equity; not deviating from the true and just; according with truth and duty; just; true.
That which is conformable to the Supreme Rule is absolutely right, and is called right simply without relation to a special end.
Right
Characterized by reality or genuineness; real; actual; not spurious.
In this battle, . . . the Britons never more plainly manifested themselves to be right barbarians.
Right
According with truth; passing a true judgment; conforming to fact or intent; not mistaken or wrong; not erroneous; correct; as, this is the right faith.
You are right, Justice, and you weigh this well.
If there be no prospect beyond the grave, the inference is . . . right, "Let us eat and drink, for to-morrow we die."
Right
Most favorable or convenient; fortunate.
The lady has been disappointed on the right side.
Right
Of or pertaining to that side of the body in man on which the muscular action is usually stronger than on the other side; - opposed to left when used in reference to a part of the body; as, the right side, hand, arm. Also applied to the corresponding side of the lower animals.
Became the sovereign's favorite, his right hand.
Right
Well placed, disposed, or adjusted; orderly; well regulated; correctly done.
Right
Designed to be placed or worn outward; as, the right side of a piece of cloth.
"Right," cries his lordship.
Right
In a right manner.
Right
In a right or straight line; directly; hence; straightway; immediately; next; as, he stood right before me; it went right to the mark; he came right out; he followed right after the guide.
Unto Dian's temple goeth she right.
Let thine eyes look right on.
Right across its track there lay,Down in the water, a long reef of gold.
Right
Exactly; just.
Came he right now to sing a raven's note?
Right
According to the law or will of God; conforming to the standard of truth and justice; righteously; as, to live right; to judge right.
Right
According to any rule of art; correctly.
You with strict discipline instructed right.
Right
According to fact or truth; actually; truly; really; correctly; exactly; as, to tell a story right.
Right as it were a steed of Lumbardye.
His wounds so smarted that he slept right naught.
Right
In a great degree; very; wholly; unqualifiedly; extremely; highly; as, right humble; right noble; right valiant.
For which I should be right sorry.
[I] return those duties back as are right fit.
Right
That which is right or correct.
Seldom your opinions err;Your eyes are always in the right.
Right
A just judgment or action; that which is true or proper; justice; uprightness; integrity.
Long love to her has borne the faithful knight,And well deserved, had fortune done him right.
Right
That to which one has a just claim.
There are no rights whatever, without corresponding duties.
Right
That which one has a legal or social claim to do or to exact; legal power; authority; as, a sheriff has a right to arrest a criminal.
Born free, he sought his right.
Hast thou not right to all created things?
Men have no right to what is not reasonable.
Right
The right side; the side opposite to the left.
Led her to the Souldan's right.
Right
Privilege or immunity granted by authority.
Right
In some legislative bodies of Europe (as in France), those members collectively who are conservatives or monarchists. See Center, 5.
Right
The outward or most finished surface, as of a piece of cloth, a carpet, etc.
He should himself use it by right.
I should have been a woman by right.
Right
To bring or restore to the proper or natural position; to set upright; to make right or straight (that which has been wrong or crooked); to correct.
Right
To do justice to; to relieve from wrong; to restore rights to; to assert or regain the rights of; as, to right the oppressed; to right one's self; also, to vindicate.
So just is God, to right the innocent.
All experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.
Right
To recover the proper or natural condition or position; to become upright.
Right
Hence, to regain an upright position, as a ship or boat, after careening.
Right
An abstract idea of that which is due to a person or governmental body by law or tradition or nature;
They are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights
Certain rights can never be granted to the government but must be kept in the hands of the people
A right is not something that somebody gives you; it is something that nobody can take away
Right
(frequently plural) the interest possessed by law or custom in some intangible thing;
Mineral rights
Film rights
Right
Location near or direction toward the right side; i.e. the side to the south when a person or object faces east;
He stood on the right
Right
A turn to the right;
Take a right at the corner
Right
Those who support political or social or economic conservatism; those who believe that things are better left unchanged
Right
Anything in accord with principles of justice;
He feels he is in the right
The rightfulness of his claim
Right
The hand that is on the right side of the body;
He writes with his right hand but pitches with his left
Hit him with quick rights to the body
Right
The piece of ground in the outfield on the catcher's right
Right
Make reparations or amends for;
Right a wrongs done to the victims of the Holocaust
Right
Put in or restore to an upright position;
They righted the sailboat that had capsized
Right
Regain an upright or proper position;
The capsized boat righted again
Right
Make right or correct;
Correct the mistakes
Rectify the calculation
Right
Free from error; especially conforming to fact or truth;
The correct answer
The correct version
The right answer
Took the right road
The right decision
Right
Being or located on or directed toward the side of the body to the east when facing north;
My right hand
Right center field
A right-hand turn
The right bank of a river is the bank on your right side when you are facing downstream
Right
Socially right or correct;
It isn't right to leave the party without saying goodbye
Correct behavior
Right
In conformance with justice or law or morality;
Do the right thing and confess
Right
Correct in opinion or judgment;
Time proved him right
Right
Appropriate for a condition or occasion;
Everything in its proper place
The right man for the job
She is not suitable for the position
Right
Of or belonging to the political or intellectual left
Right
In or into a satisfactory condition;
Things are right again now
Put things right
Right
Intended for the right hand;
A right-hand glove
Right
In accord with accepted standards of usage or procedure;
What's the right word for this?
The right way to open oysters
Right
Having the axis perpendicular to the base;
A right angle
Right
Of the side of cloth or clothing intended to face outward;
The right side of the cloth showed the pattern
Be sure your shirt is right side out
Right
Most suitable or right for a particular purpose;
A good time to plant tomatoes
The right time to act
The time is ripe for great sociological changes
Right
Precisely, exactly;
Stand right here!
Right
Immediately;
She called right after dinner
Right
Exactly;
He fell flop on his face
Right
Toward or on the right; also used figuratively;
He looked right and left
The party has moved right
Right
In the right manner;
Please do your job properly!
Can't you carry me decent?
Right
An interjection expressing agreement
Right
Completely;
She felt right at home
He fell right into the trap
Right
(Southern regional intensive) very;
The baby is mighty cute
He's mighty tired
It is powerful humid
That boy is powerful big now
They have a right nice place
Right
In accordance with moral or social standards;
That serves him right
Do right by him
Right
In a correct manner;
He guessed right
Right
A legally protected entitlement.
Citizens have the right to vote in elections.
Right
Often involves government enforcement.
The right to a fair trial is enforced through the judicial system.
Right
Can impose obligations on others.
Your right to property may restrict others from trespassing.
Right
Subject to national laws and international agreements.
Human rights are protected under international law.
Common Curiosities
Can freedoms be legally restricted?
Yes, freedoms can be restricted legally, especially if exercising a freedom infringes on the rights and freedoms of others.
What is a right?
A right is a legal entitlement to perform or not perform certain actions, and it is protected and enforced by law.
What is a freedom?
Freedom refers to the ability to act without restraint or interference, often considered in a broader, more philosophical context.
What are examples of rights and freedoms clashing?
Examples include scenarios where freedom of expression might conflict with another's right to not face defamation or hate speech.
Why are rights important in a society?
Rights are crucial for maintaining social order and fairness, ensuring that individuals' freedoms are respected and protected.
What happens when rights are violated?
When rights are violated, individuals can seek redress through legal or administrative means to restore those rights.
How do rights protect freedoms?
Rights protect freedoms by legally ensuring that individuals can exercise their freedoms without interference or discrimination.
Is freedom of speech a right or a freedom?
Freedom of speech is both a freedom and a right; it is a freedom fundamentally and becomes a right when legally protected.
What is the difference between civil rights and human rights?
Civil rights are protections and privileges granted by a state to its citizens, while human rights are universal and recognized internationally.
How are rights enforced?
Rights are enforced through legal systems which can include courts, laws, and various regulatory bodies.
How can freedoms be expanded in a society?
Freedoms can be expanded by liberalizing laws, reducing unnecessary regulations, and promoting policies that enhance individual autonomy and choice.
Why might freedoms need to be limited in some cases?
Freedoms might need to be limited to protect public safety, order, and the rights and freedoms of others, ensuring a balanced and fair society.
Can anyone have absolute freedom?
Absolute freedom is not practical as one person’s freedoms can infringe on another’s rights; hence freedoms are often balanced with societal needs and laws.
How does the government protect freedoms?
Governments protect freedoms by enacting and enforcing laws that prevent undue interference in individuals’ freedoms.
Are all rights legally enforceable?
Most rights are legally enforceable, but the scope and enforcement mechanisms can vary widely between different jurisdictions.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
