freeman
word
Definition
A person who is free, not enslaved or bound to servitude. Historically, someone granted the freedom of a city. Also a very common surname, most famously Morgan Freeman.
Usage & Nuances
"Freedom of the City" is an honorary title still given today. In medieval times, a freeman had specific legal rights (trade, vote). The surname Freeman often originated from ancestors who were free men, not serfs. Gordon Freeman is a famous video game character (Half-Life).
Example Sentences
Gordon Freeman, the silent protagonist of Half-Life, is one of gaming's most beloved characters.
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Morgan Freeman is known for his distinctive voice.
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In medieval England, a freeman could own land and conduct trade.
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He was granted the title of freeman of the city.
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After emancipation, formerly enslaved people became freemen with new legal rights.
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The actor Freeman has narrated so many documentaries that his voice is almost synonymous with authority.
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