Quote:
Originally Posted by jctgf  hi,
please, what is the difference between freedom and liberty?
is it correct that the latter has french roots?
when and where should I use each one?
thanks. |
they are synonyms but liberty is more formal and therefore is used a bit differently.
Almost every constitutions mentions Individual Liberties so liberty is individual and freedom refers to country or land. I am sure some will disagree
here.
"I am not at liberty"- it is very common use of liberty, a kind of stock phrase.
We
usually say "I am free", not "I have freedom".
Students at school are at liberty to leave for lunch (formal)
Students at scholl are free to leave for lunch (informal)
We say "feel free" to do something"
not "be at liberty"
"Our liberty and our freedom is at stake", 
what does it mean? Is "liberty" redundant here or perhaps "freedom"?
In my opinion, it means: Our Individual Liberties and Freedom of Our country is at stake.
As for your question if liberty derives from French- I have no clue. I would say it has Latin roots rather. But do not take it for granted. Check it with someone.