The quality or state of being free, including freedom from restriction, slavery, burden, or unwanted obligation.
From 'free' (Old English frēo) + '-ness' (Old English -nes, forming nouns of quality or state). A straightforward formation used since Old English times.
Philosophers debated 'freeness' endlessly—is someone free if they're hungry and poor, even if nobody's forcing them? This question shaped modern ideas about freedom requiring not just lack of chains but actual opportunities.
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