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liberal

lib·er·al

liberal

 
 
pronunciation:
lI b rl [or] lI brl
parts of speech:
adjective, noun
features:
Word Combinations (adjective, noun), Word Explorer, Word Parts
part of speech: adjective
definition 1: freely giving; generous.
She made liberal contributions to various charities.He dished out liberal portions of the casserole.The bartender certainly put a liberal amount of gin in this martini.
synonyms:
bounteous, bountiful, generous, magnanimous, munificent, openhanded, unsparing
antonyms:
miserly, stingy
similar words:
benevolent, big, free, large, lavish, openhearted, profuse, unselfish, warm-hearted
definition 2: respectful of individual differences; tolerant.
The school hoped to establish a liberal environment where all students would feel respected.Her parents were more liberal than his and were comfortable to have a son-in-law of a different faith.
synonyms:
broad-minded, tolerant
antonyms:
illiberal, narrow-minded
similar words:
broad, free, large, latitudinarian, libertarian, magnanimous, open, open-minded, receptive
definition 3: favoring progressive political change. (Cf. conservative.)
She is a liberal politician who hopes to bring about far-reaching changes in the prison system.He joined a liberal organization in the early sixties dedicated to abolishing segregation.
synonyms:
progressive
antonyms:
reactionary
similar words:
libertarian, radical, reformist
definition 4: (cap.) of or relating to the U.S. or British political party favoring progressive political change and involvement of the government to bring about reforms. (Cf. Conservative.)
He is the Liberal Party candidate.
definition 5: relating to democratic forms of government rather than monarchies or aristocracies.
The new leader wished to establish a liberal form of government in a country that had never known political freedom.
antonyms:
authoritarian
similar words:
democratic, libertarian, progressive, republican
definition 6: not adhering to the literal, exact, or orthodox; freely interpretive; not strict.
a liberal interpretationa liberal translation
antonyms:
strict
similar words:
broad, loose, revisionist
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part of speech: noun
definition 1: one who adheres to a progressive political philosophy, which favors government promotion of social change and the primacy of individual liberty. (Cf. conservative.)
The liberals think that the government should do more to create jobs for the unemployed.
 
synonyms:
libertarian, progressive, reformer, reformist
similar words:
freethinker, latitudinarian, left-winger
definition 2: (cap.) a member of the U.S. or British Liberal Party; favoring progressive political change and involvement of the government to bring about reforms. (Cf. Conservative.)
The Liberals are the victors in this election.
similar words:
libertarian, Progressive
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derivations: liberally (adv.), liberalness (n.)
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