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

“I am not saying this because it is a matter of conservatism. It’s because the truth is our girls who have lived it, they have not told it,” Cárdenas said, adding that the agency is open to educating reggaeton artists about how such songs normalize abuse against young women in Medellín.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Most party members seemed to agree that he won the battle of the speeches that dominated the final day of the conference in Birmingham, telling the party faithful they needed to be "more normal" and offer Conservatism "with a smile".

From BBC

Speaking with Tucker Carlson, an ex-Fox News anchor who recently interviewed a Holocaust denier and claimed that he was physically attacked by a “demon” — such is the state of American conservatism — Trump lambasted former Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., as a “deranged person” who only dislikes him because, in his telling, he’s reluctant to invade other countries.

From Salon

Related Words

• moderation
• orthodoxy