free
UK[friː]US[friː]
adj
not under the control or in the power of another; able to act or be done as one wishes
adj
not or no longer confined or imprisoned
adj
not subject to or constrained by engagements or obligations
adj
given or available without charge
v
release from confinement or slavery
adv
without cost or payment
Etymology
the word "free" originates from the old english "frēo," meaning "exempt from, not in bondage," which itself evolved from the proto-germanic "frijaz," signifying "beloved, not in bondage." this proto-germanic term is cognate with the sanskrit "priyá-" (dear, beloved) and ultimately derives from the proto-indo-european root "priH-ó-," meaning "dear, beloved." the semantic evolution from "beloved" or "friend" to "free" is thought to reflect the social status of those within the kinship group or tribe, who were considered free, as opposed to captives or slaves who were outsiders. this ancient connection between affection and liberty solidified into the modern abstract concept denoting the absence of restraint, coercion, or cost.
Analysis
the word is a simplex unit derived from a single old english root. it is not productively segmentable into smaller meaningful parts within modern english spelling.
Examples
after years of struggle, the country was finally free.
the museum offers free admission on sundays.
she cut the rope to free the trapped animal.