liberal

lib-er-al · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Open to new ideas, willing to question traditional values, and respecting individual freedom.

  2. 2.

    Favoring gradual reform, especially political reforms that extend democracy and individual freedoms.

  3. 3.

    Generous in amount or extent; given freely.

  4. 4.

    (Of education) Concerned with broadening general knowledge and experience rather than technical or professional training.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    liberal arts — academic subjects such as literature, philosophy, and history
  • •
    liberal democracy — a form of government combining democratic principles with protection of individual rights
  • •
    liberal interpretation — a broad or flexible understanding of rules or texts

Related words

Antonyms: conservative, illiberal, intolerant, restrictive
See also: conservative, liberalism, liberate, liberty
Synonyms: broad-minded, generous, open-minded, progressive, tolerant

Etymology

From Latin liberalis ("of or pertaining to a free person"), from liber ("free"). The political sense developed in the early 19th century.