free will
free will — noun
1. the idea that people can freely choose what they do and how they live, without b
the idea that people can freely choose what they do and how they live, without being forced by outside forces, fate, or other people
The debate about whether humans truly have free will has continued for centuries.
abstract noun as subject; philosophical framing
Diego signed the contract of his own free will, without any pressure from his boss.
collocation: of one's own free will
Aisha believes in free will and thinks every person can shape their own future.
The judge must decide whether the driver gave the statement of her own free will.
Olga argues that free will and scientific laws are not necessarily in conflict.
- autonomy
more formal; often used in political or moral philosophy
- self-determination
emphasises a person or group's control over their own life or destiny
- free choice
less formal; focuses on the act of choosing rather than the underlying capacity
- determinism
the philosophical view that every event is caused by prior events, leaving no room for free will
- fate
a power believed to control what happens in the future, leaving no real choice
- predestination
the religious doctrine that God has already decided everything that will happen
文法句型
of one's own free will
用法筆記
Typically uncountable. The phrase 'of one's own free will' is a common fixed expression describing an action done voluntarily, especially in legal and formal contexts.