liberally

[ lib-er-uh-lee, lib-ruh-lee ]

adverb

1. in a way that is favorable to progress or reform, or that reflects the views of a political party advocating this:

   He voted a lot more liberally than he campaigned, which may have had something to do with his reelection loss.

2. in a way that is not bound by traditional or conventional ideas or values, especially prejudice or bigotry:

   Our goal is to be an intentionally open, intellectual, and liberally inclusive community.

3. in large amounts; generously; abundantly:

   Sprinkle liberally with paprika, sea salt, and chili oil.

4. in a way that is not strict, literal, or rigorous:

   This charter shall be liberally and broadly construed in favor of allowing the city to exercise its power.

   The story was liberally adapted from a popular Chinese folk tale.

5. in the liberal arts:

   What does it mean to be liberally educated in 21st-century America?

Other Words From

• an·ti·lib·er·al·ly adverb
• half-lib·er·al·ly adverb
• non·lib·er·al·ly adverb
• o·ver·lib·er·al·ly adverb
• pre·lib·er·al·ly adverb
• pseu·do·lib·er·al·ly adverb
• qua·si-lib·er·al·ly adverb
• sem·i·lib·er·al·ly adverb
• un·lib·er·al·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of liberally¹

liberal ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

While the fire is getting hot, assemble a cake mix in a bowl and oil a cast-iron Dutch oven liberally.

From Outside Online

Apply liberally and and reapply at least every 2 hours—click here for tips on the best way to apply sunscreen so you get great coverage.

From Essence.com

Fortunately, you can still move by swinging your arms back and forth, an alternative I employed liberally after my knees started aching.

From Washington Post

New benefits negotiated by my union include four hours of paid leave per shot to get vaccinated and a clear policy that paid sick leave can be used liberally for covid-related matters.

From Washington Post

So using the natural form of the pesticide often entails applying it more often and more liberally.

From Washington Post

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season liberally with salt.

From The Daily Beast

He was very liberally perfumed, and even looked at drafts of the screenplay and said, “I would never say that, darling!”

From The Daily Beast

Sprinkle liberally over your chicken breasts along with a grinding of salt and pepper.

From The Daily Beast

But the show has won its adherents for more than just the neck-snapping plot twists that liberally pepper the narrative.

From The Daily Beast

Two ads released last week draw on the terminology liberally.

From The Daily Beast

He paid for the lunch, and tipped the waiters so liberally that they all hoped he would come again often.

From Project Gutenberg

No word of the bombs and trench mortars I asked for six weeks ago, but the "bayonets" are coming in liberally now.

From Project Gutenberg

She was far too sensible for ingratitude, and fully appreciated the gifts that life had so liberally dealt her.

From Project Gutenberg

This rule, theoretically correct, must be very liberally interpreted in practice.

From Project Gutenberg

Lands and money had been bestowed on him so liberally that he was one of the richest subjects in Europe.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• abundantly
• adequately
• extensively
• generously
• lavishly
• properly
• richly