lib·er·al
(lĭb́ər-əl, lĭb́rəl)
[Middle English, generous, from Old French, from Latin līberālis, from līber, free.]
adjective
- Not limited to or by established, traditional, orthodox, or authoritarian attitudes, views, or dogmas; free from bigotry.
- Favoring proposals for reform, open to new ideas for progress, and tolerant of the ideas and behavior of others; broad-minded.
- Of, relating to, or characteristic of liberalism.
- Liberal. Of, designating, or characteristic of a political party founded on or associated with principles of social and political liberalism, especially in Great Britain, Canada, and the United States.
- Tending to give freely; generous: a liberal benefactor.
- Generous in amount; ample: a liberal serving of potatoes.
- Not strict or literal; loose or approximate: a liberal translation.
- Of, relating to, or based on the traditional arts and sciences of a college or university curriculum: a liberal education.
- Archaic Permissible or appropriate for a person of free birth; befitting a lady or gentleman.
- Obsolete Morally unrestrained; licentious.
noun
- A person with liberal ideas or opinions.
- A member of a Liberal political party.
derivatives
- lib́er·al·ly
- adverb
- lib́er·al·ness
- noun
synonyms:
liberal, bounteous, bountiful, freehanded, generous, handsome, munificent, openhanded These adjectives mean willing or marked by a willingness to give unstintingly: a liberal backer of the arts; a bounteous feast; bountiful compliments; a freehanded host; a generous donation; a handsome offer; a munificent gift; fond and openhanded grandparents.- See also: broad-minded
Antonym: stingy
