libre
/libʁ/
In French, libre is used to describe software with very few limitations on distribution or improvement.
Meaning: (software) with very few limitations on distribution or improvement (adj)
How do you pronounce it?
/libʁ/
Did you know?
- In French, the distinction between libre and gratuit is critical. While libre refers to liberty and freedom of use, gratuit refers specifically to something that costs zero money.
- In French, if you say you are libre in a romantic context, it means you are 'single' and available, rather than just 'free' from constraints.
- The word libre shares an ancient root with the word for 'people', suggesting that being 'free' was originally a state of belonging to a specific group of citizens.
Examples in context
- Je suis libre en ce momentI am free at the moment
- Le parc est libre d'accèsThe park is open/free to access
- Nous avons des sièges libresWe have free/available seats
- C'est un logiciel libre.It is free software.
- Nous utilisons des outils libres.We use open-source tools.
- Je préfère le code libre.I prefer open source code.
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are discussing a new project at work.
- LéaEst-ce que ce programme est libre ?Is this software open source?
- NathanOui, c'est un projet libre.Yes, it is an open source project.
- LéaC'est parfait pour Nathan et moi.That is perfect for Nathan and me.
- NathanSuper, on peut l'installer vite.Great, we can install it quickly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “libre” translations and entries libre, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries libre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
