■ adjective
1》 respectful and accepting of behaviour or opinions different from one's own.
↘(of a society, law, etc.) favourable to individual rights and freedoms.
↘ Theology regarding many traditional beliefs as dispensable, invalidated by modern thought, or liable to change.
2》 (in a political context) favouring individual liberty, free trade, and moderate political and social reform.
↘( Liberal ) relating to Liberals or a Liberal Party, especially (in the UK) relating to the Liberal Democrat party.
3》 (of education) concerned with broadening general knowledge and experience.
4》 (especially of an interpretation of a law) not strictly literal.
5》 given, used, or giving in generous amounts.
■ noun
1》 a person of ~ views.
2》 ( Liberal ) a supporter or member of a Liberal Party, especially (in the UK) a Liberal Democrat.
Derivatives
~ism noun
~ist noun
~istic adjective
~ity noun
~ly adverb
~ness noun
Origin
ME (orig. in sense 'suitable for a free man' hence 'suitable for a gentleman'): via OFr. from L. ~is , from liber 'free (man)'.