conservatism

[ kuhn-sur-vuh-tiz-uhm ]

noun

1. the disposition to preserve or restore what is established and traditional and to limit change.
2. the principles and practices of political conservatives.

conservatism

¹

/ kənˈsɜːvəˌtɪzəm /

noun

1. opposition to change and innovation
2. a political philosophy advocating the preservation of the best of the established order in society and opposing radical change

Conservatism

²

/ kənˈsɜːvəˌtɪzəm /

noun

1. the form of conservatism advocated by the Conservative Party
2. the policies, doctrines, or practices of the Conservative Party

conservatism

1. A general preference for the existing order of society, and an opposition to efforts to bring about sharp change. ( Compare liberalism .)

Other Words From

• anti·con·serva·tism noun
• hyper·con·serva·tism noun
• over·con·serva·tism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of conservatism¹

First recorded in 1825–35; conservat(ive) + -ism

Example Sentences

In short, all the major electoral facets of American conservatism are more tightly unified ... in the days of William F. Buckley or Ronald Reagan.

From Salon

Soccer fans are, for the most part, liberal and cosmopolitan in the U.S., so Lalas’ conservatism has led him to be called a vile human, a fascist and a dumb far-right puppet.

From Los Angeles Times

I won’t vote for him because I am a conservative, and I think this country needs healthy, rational conservatism.

From Los Angeles Times

While this kind of theological conservatism might shape some evangelicals' minds towards political conservatism, many prominent evangelical leaders argue that those two concepts are not, and should not, always be aligned.

From Salon

Trumpism like today’s version of “conservatism”, is a form of white identity politics.

From Salon

Related Words

• moderation
• orthodoxy