The phrase "four freedoms" refers to the freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. The spelling of this phrase in IPA phonetic transcription is /fɔr ˈfriːdəmz/ with the primary stress on the second syllable of "freedoms." The "f" sound is pronounced with the top teeth touching the lower lip, and the "r" is pronounced with a small roll of the tongue in American English. The long "e" sound in "freedoms" is pronounced with the tongue high and back in the mouth.
The phrase "four freedoms" refers to a set of principles articulated by former United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt in his 1941 State of the Union Address. These four freedoms are considered essential pillars of democracy and human rights. The four freedoms are as follows:
1. Freedom of Speech: This freedom ensures that individuals have the right to express their thoughts, ideas, and opinions without fear of censorship or retribution. It guarantees the ability to freely debate and criticize government actions and policies.
2. Freedom of Worship: This principle encompasses the right to believe and practice any religion or no religion at all. It guarantees individuals the freedom to worship freely and without interference from the government or any other external entity.
3. Freedom from Want: This freedom focuses on economic security and the right to a basic standard of living. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring that everyone has access to food, shelter, healthcare, education, and other essential needs.
4. Freedom from Fear: This freedom relates to living in a society that is free from fear, oppression, and violence. It involves safeguarding individuals from any form of coercion, aggression, or war, enabling them to lead peaceful and secure lives.
The four freedoms represent fundamental principles necessary for the development of a just and inclusive society, promoting human dignity, and protecting individual rights. They are internationally recognized values and have been influential in shaping various human rights frameworks and policy discussions worldwide.
The term "Four Freedoms" was popularized by the 32nd President of the United States, Franklin D. Roosevelt, in a speech he delivered to the U.S. Congress on January 6, 1941. However, the etymology of the individual words "four" and "freedoms" can be traced back to their respective origins:
1. Four: The word "four" has its roots in the Middle English word "four", which came from the Old English word "feower" or "fower". These can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "fedwor" and the Proto-Indo-European word "kwetwer". These roots indicate the concept of the number four.