Origin: Latin suffix -al
Liberal has 12 different meanings across 3 categories:
Noun · Adjective · Proper Noun
a person who favors a political philosophy of progress and reform and the protection of civil liberties
"After years of conservative rule, voters elected him as their new liberal leader to champion progressive reforms."
a person who favors an economic theory of laissez-faire and self-regulating markets
"The senator argued that his liberal approach to economics would let market forces determine wages without government interference."
One with liberal views, supporting individual liberty (see Wikipedia's article on Liberalism).
"The local election saw a surge in support for the liberal candidate, who promised to expand social welfare programs and protect civil liberties."
A political party and philosophy
In plain English: A liberal is someone who supports freedom and equality for everyone.
"The liberal on the committee argued strongly for more funding in arts and education."
Usage: As a noun in American English, "liberal" refers to a person who supports progressive social policies and government intervention in the economy. Do not confuse this specific political identity with the adjective form, which describes something plentiful or unrestricted.
showing or characterized by broad-mindedness
"a broad political stance"
"generous and broad sympathies"
"a liberal newspaper"
"tolerant of his opponent's opinions"
having political or social views favoring reform and progress
"The community voted for a liberal candidate who promised to expand local healthcare services and update zoning laws."
tolerant of change; not bound by authoritarianism, orthodoxy, or tradition
"The new manager's liberal approach to dress code and flexible hours quickly made her team feel more creative and engaged."
given or giving freely
"was a big tipper"
"the bounteous goodness of God"
"bountiful compliments"
"a freehanded host"
"a handsome allowance"
"Saturday's child is loving and giving"
"a liberal backer of the arts"
"a munificent gift"
"her fond and openhanded grandfather"
Pertaining to those arts and sciences the study of which is considered to provide general knowledge, as opposed to vocational/occupational, technical or mechanical training.
"The senator voted for the bill as a staunch liberal who believes in lowering corporate taxes and reducing government regulation."
Of or relating to the Liberal party, its membership, or its platform, policy, or viewpoint.
In plain English: Liberal means open to new ideas and willing to accept different opinions without being strict or traditional.
"The liberal use of salt can make the soup too salty."
Usage: Use "liberal" to describe political views that favor individual rights and government intervention in social welfare, rather than those specifically tied to the historical British Liberal Party. In modern American English, it most commonly refers to a progressive ideology supporting civil liberties and economic equality.
An unincorporated community in Spencer County, Indiana, United States.
"The local farmers' market is held every Saturday morning in Liberal, a small unincorporated community in Spencer County, Indiana."
The word "liberal" comes from the Latin līber, meaning "free," and originally described something befitting a freeman. It entered English in the 14th century as an adjective, with the noun form appearing later in the 1800s.