liberalism

[ lib-er-uh-liz-uhm, lib-ruh- ]

noun

1. the quality or state of being liberal, as in behavior or attitude.
2. a political or social philosophy advocating the freedom of the individual, parliamentary systems of government, nonviolent modification of political, social, or economic institutions to assure unrestricted development in all spheres of human endeavor, and governmental guarantees of individual rights and civil liberties.
3. (sometimes initial capital letter) the principles and practices of a liberal party in politics.
4. a movement in modern Protestantism that emphasizes freedom from tradition and authority, the adjustment of religious beliefs to scientific conceptions, and the development of spiritual capacities.

liberalism

/ ˈlɪbərəˌlɪzəm; ˈlɪbrə- /

noun

1. liberal opinions, practices, or politics
2. a movement in modern Protestantism that rejects biblical authority

liberalism

1. In the twentieth century, a viewpoint or ideology associated with free political institutions and religious toleration, as well as support for a strong role of government in regulating capitalism and constructing the welfare state (see also welfare state ).

Derived Forms

• ˈliberalist, nounadjective
• ˌliberalˈistic, adjective

Other Words From

• liber·al·ist noun adjective
• liber·al·istic adjective
• anti·liber·al·ism noun
• anti·liber·al·ist noun adjective
• anti·liber·al·istic adjective
• non·liber·al·ism noun
• semi·liber·al·ism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of liberalism¹

First recorded in 1810–20; liberal + -ism

Example Sentences

What emerged was arguably more robust, and more progressive, than the liberalism developed by white theorists.

From Salon

He promises to keep the Christians safe from the evil forces of liberalism.

From Salon

In a state where a blue supermajority in the state Capitol has boasted about making life better for the neediest residents, making life easier for a billionaire’s party room is out-of-touch liberalism at its worst.

From Los Angeles Times

It's a place that is supposed to bring together CEOs who want to push back on what they take to be the kind of liberalism of Silicon Valley and the tech world more generally.

From Salon

She has been the face of San Francisco liberalism for decades, appearing in Republican campaign ads from Cleveland to Tampa, internet memes and fundraising appeals.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• left-winger
• leftist
• liberal
• progressive
• radical