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free will

[/friː wɪl/]
noun
livre arbítrio
1. The philosophical doctrine that human beings make choices that are not determined by prior causes or divine intervention
Many philosophers debate whether humans truly have free will or if our actions are predetermined.
Muitos filósofos debatem se os humanos realmente têm livre arbítrio ou se nossas ações são predeterminadas.
2. The ability to make one's own choices and govern oneself
She left home of her own free will.
Ela deixou a casa por sua própria vontade.
3. Voluntary action without external coercion
He joined the organization of his own free will, not because anyone forced him.
Ele se juntou à organização de sua própria vontade, não porque alguém o forçou.
Synonyms
autonomyvolitionself-determinationlibertychoice
Antonyms
determinismpredestinationcoercioncompulsionconstraint

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
livre arbítrio
Standard term used throughout Brazil
São Paulo
livre arbítrio
Standard usage, philosophical context
Portugal
livre arbítrio
Standard term, also used in philosophical discourse

Related Idioms & Phrases

of one's own free will
act of free will
exercise one's free will
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