freethinker
/ˌfriːˈθɪŋkə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌfriːˈθɪŋkər/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈfrē-ˈthiŋ-kər/ (ame, mw)
freethinker — noun
- freethinkersingular
- freethinkersplural
1. a person who uses their own reasoning to decide what to believe about religion,
a person who uses their own reasoning to decide what to believe about religion, politics, or other important topics, instead of simply accepting what most people or the authorities teach
Satoshi was known as a freethinker who questioned the religious teachings he had received as a child.
was known as a freethinker who [questioned] — relative clause pattern
Ananya called herself a freethinker because she voted based on her own research, not on family tradition.
In the 1800s, being a freethinker could put you at odds with the church or the local government.
The reading group was for freethinkers who wanted to explore ideas outside of mainstream beliefs.
Many scientists throughout history have been freethinkers, challenging accepted ideas with fresh evidence.
- independent thinker
broader term, less historically loaded than freethinker
- skeptic
emphasises doubt and questioning rather than building one's own beliefs
- rationalist
more philosophical; stresses the use of reason over emotion or faith
- follower
someone who accepts others' views without question
- conformist
someone who adopts mainstream beliefs rather than questioning them
文法句型
a + freethinker
freethinker + relative clause
用法筆記
Frequently found in historical or philosophical writing about 18th–19th century figures who rejected religious authority. In modern use, it describes anyone who questions mainstream views independently rather than through the lens of a particular group.