The spelling of the phrase "went free" follows the English language's complex phonetic rules. In IPA transcription, it would be written as /wɛnt fri/. The "e" in "went" represents the short vowel sound, and the "f" in "free" is pronounced as /fr/ with a voiced dental fricative. The "ee" is written as a long vowel sound represented by /i:/, which is a diacritic added to the vowel "e." These subtle differences in pronunciation highlight the importance of accurate spelling in conveying meaning in written language.
"Went free" is a phrase used to describe a situation in which someone who was previously incarcerated or held against their will is released or granted freedom. It signifies the act of being liberated from imprisonment, confinement, or captivity and denotes the person's transition from a condition of restricted freedom to one without restraint or confinement.
This phrase is commonly used in legal and judicial contexts, particularly in criminal justice systems, when an individual completes their sentence or when their case is dismissed or acquitted, allowing them to regain their liberty. It can also be associated with cases where someone who has been wrongfully convicted or imprisoned is exonerated and consequently released.
The term "went free" implies the individual's departure from a controlled environment or confinement, emphasizing the newfound freedom they have obtained. It embodies the concept of transitioning to a state of liberty and being unrestricted by physical or legal boundaries.
Overall, "went free" encapsulates the notion of regaining freedom after being deprived of it, whether temporarily or unjustly. The phrase aptly highlights the significance of the individual's release, acknowledging their ability to live their life without restrictions and the restoration of their fundamental rights and liberties.
The phrase "went free" does not have a specific etymology as it is a combination of two common words with separate origins.
The word "went" is the past tense of the verb "to go", which originated from the Old English word "wendan". Its etymology can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "wandijaną" meaning "to turn, to change".
The word "free" developed from the Old English word "freo", which was derived from the Proto-Germanic word "frijaz". This word meant "beloved, dear" and eventually evolved to refer to freedom or being without restraint.
Hence, when combined, "went free" simply means that someone or something "went" or proceeded in a way that resulted in being or becoming "free".