Free as in Speech
Phrase · Open Source
Definitions
A phrase used to clarify that 'free' refers to user freedoms such as running, studying, modifying, and sharing software, rather than simply price. It is foundational language in the free software movement.
In plain English: Free in the sense of giving you meaningful rights and freedoms, not just zero cost.
Example: "The debate wasn’t about whether the tool was free as in beer, but whether it was free as in speech."