Definition

Noun: - A fundamental entitlement to seek and strive for a state of well-being and contentment: This phrase denotes a basic human or civil right to actively endeavor to achieve personal happiness, fulfillment, and life satisfaction. It implies the liberty to choose one's own path toward a fulfilling life, within the bounds of law and without infringing on the rights of others.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The Declaration of Independence famously asserts the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the right to the pursuit of happiness.
  • Many modern constitutions are interpreted as protecting a citizen's right to the pursuit of happiness through guarantees of personal freedom and opportunity.
  • Advocates argued that the policy violated individuals' fundamental right to the pursuit of happiness by imposing undue restrictions on personal choices.

Advanced Usage

• "to be inherent in the right to the pursuit of happiness": to be an essential or inseparable part of this right.
  • Freedom of occupation is often considered inherent in the right to the pursuit of happiness.
• "to infringe upon/on the right to the pursuit of happiness": to act in a way that limits or violates this right.
  • Excessive government regulation can sometimes be seen as infringing upon the right to the pursuit of happiness.

Variants and Related Words

• Pursuit (n): The act of following or striving for something.
  • His pursuit of knowledge was relentless.
• Happiness (n): The state of being happy, characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy.
  • True happiness often comes from within.

Synonyms

• Liberty to seek fulfillment: The freedom to look for a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
• Entitlement to strive for well-being: The justified claim to make efforts to achieve a good and prosperous life.

Related Phrases

• Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness: The iconic triad of unalienable rights mentioned in the United States Declaration of Independence.
  • The philosophy of the founders was grounded in the principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Notes on Meaning

This phrase is primarily a fixed legal and philosophical concept, famously originating from the United States Declaration of Independence. It is typically used in formal, academic, or political contexts discussing human rights, civil liberties, and political philosophy. It is not used in casual, everyday speech to describe simple actions aimed at being happy.

Noun

1. the right to try to find happiness