adj.
- respectful and accepting of behaviour or opinions different from one's own.
▸(of a society, law, etc.) favourable to individual rights and freedoms.
▸Theology regarding many traditional beliefs as dispensable, invalidated by modern thought, or liable to change.
- (in a political context) favouring individual liberty, free trade, and moderate political and social reform.
▸
(Liberal)
relating to Liberals or a Liberal Party, especially (in the UK) relating to the Liberal Democrat party.
- (of education) concerned with broadening general knowledge and experience.
- (especially of an interpretation of a law) not strictly literal.
- given, used, or giving in generous amounts.
n.
- a person of liberal views.
-
(Liberal)
a supporter or member of a Liberal Party, especially (in the UK) a Liberal Democrat.
Derivative
- liberalism n.
- liberalist n.
- liberalistic adj.
- liberality n.
- liberally adv.
- liberalness n.
Etymology
ME (orig. in sense ‘suitable for a free man’ hence ‘suitable for a gentleman’): via OFr. from L. liberalis, from liber ‘free (man)’.