szabadon

Szabadon is a Hungarian adverb meaning freely or without constraint. It describes the manner in which an action is performed and can modify verbs, indicating that something is done without interference, restriction, or coercion. Examples include szabadon dönteni (to decide freely), szabadon gondolkodni (to think freely), and a madár szabadon repült (the bird flew freely). The phrase is common in legal, political, and everyday language to express lack of censorship or restraint, as in the sajtó szabadon működik (the press operates freely).

Etymology and grammar: szabadon is derived from the adjective szabad (free) with an adverbial suffix that forms an adverb of manner. In Hungarian, many adjectives can be turned into adverbs using suffixes such as -on/-en/-ön, producing words like szabadon that describe how an action is carried out.

Usage notes: szabadon contrasts with terms that express restriction or obligation, such as korlátozottan (restrictively) or tilos (forbidden). It can appear in various constructions, including clauses that attribute freedom of choice or action to subjects, for example, az emberek szabadon választhatnak (people may choose freely) or a döntés szabadon hozható meg (the decision can be made freely). While primarily an adverb, szabadon interacts with broader concepts of freedom and autonomy found in Hungarian discourse, including discussions of szabadság (freedom) and individual rights.

See also: szabad, szabadság, szabadgatás (related terms in discussions of personal and civil liberties).