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con·serv·a·tive

conservative

 
 
pronunciation:
kn suhr v tihv
parts of speech:
adjective, noun
features:
Word Combinations (adjective, noun), Word Explorer
part of speech: adjective
definition 1: preferring the traditional and resisting rapid change.
My father was conservative and didn't want my mother to have a job.Being conservative, the company resisted changing its policies.
synonyms:
traditional
antonyms:
progressive, radical
similar words:
conventional, hidebound, old-fashioned, orthodox, square, straight
definition 2: traditional in appearance; not flashy.
She wore a conservative tweed skirt to the interview.
synonyms:
sober
antonyms:
avant-garde, daring, ostentatious, outlandish, trendy
similar words:
conventional, severe, traditional
definition 3: not extreme, esp. not too high; restrained; moderate.
They made a few conservative bids at the auction.She lives a conservative lifestyle in the suburbs.I favor a conservative spending policy.
synonyms:
middle-of-the-road, moderate, temperate
antonyms:
extreme
similar words:
careful, cautious, prudent
definition 4: (cap.) of or relating to the U.S. or British political party favoring private enterprise and opposing government control. (Cf. Liberal.)
She became a member of the Conservative Party in 1974.
similar words:
libertarian, reactionary
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part of speech: noun
definition 1: a person who favors the traditional and opposes rapid change.
As a conservative, the minister was uncomfortable with the way he saw the church changing.
synonyms:
traditionalist
antonyms:
progressive, radical
similar words:
reactionary, square, stick-in-the-mud, straight
definition 2: a supporter of political conservatism. (Cf. liberal.)
The senator is a conservative who voted against the proposed reforms.
antonyms:
progressive
similar words:
libertarian, reactionary, right-winger, tory
definition 3: (cap.) a member of a conservative party. (Cf. Liberal.)
The Conservatives have come out of this election victorious.
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derivations: conservatively (adj.), conservativeness (n.)
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