Free-willed

Possessing the ability to make choices and act independently, unconstrained by external forces, fate, or predetermined factors. This implies an internal capacity for self-determination and agency. A free-willed individual is understood to be the originator of their own actions and responsible for the consequences of their decisions. The concept frequently relates to moral and ethical considerations, highlighting accountability and the capacity for conscious deliberation in one's choices.

Free-willed meaning with examples

• Despite facing immense pressure, the young artist remained free-willed in her pursuit of abstract expressionism. She refused to conform to the prevailing trends, trusting her intuition and unique vision. Her free-willed nature ultimately earned her recognition for her originality. She remained steadfast in her commitment to her artistic freedom, defining her artistic success and vision on her own terms.
• The constitution guarantees all citizens are free-willed to choose their elected officials. Without coercion or external pressure, they're free to vote for the candidate of their choice. The right to vote is not just a right but a vital privilege, ensuring citizens have a say in their government. Exercising this right means citizens participate in a free-willed democracy.
• The protagonist of the novel, a slave, yearned to be free-willed in a restrictive environment. He craved the autonomy to decide his future, not a life dictated by someone else. The struggles he endured embodied the pursuit of self-determination and agency, as he sought to choose his own path. The narrative emphasizes how a free-willed life is precious to be free.
• In cognitive behavioral therapy, the emphasis is on empowering individuals to be free-willed over their actions. People can identify and challenge self-defeating thoughts. By making conscious choices, the patient learns to manage their reactions, and behaviors, and therefore, become free-willed in making different choices and responding to life's challenges.