[lib.er.al] adj [ME, fr. MF, fr. L liberalis suitable for a freeman, generous, fr. liber free; perh. akin to OE leodan to grow, Gk eleutheros free] (14c) 1 a: of, relating to, or based on the liberal arts "~ education" b archaic: of or befitting a man of free birth
2. a: marked by generosity: openhanded "a ~ giver" b: given or provided in a generous and openhanded way "a ~ meal" c: ample, full 3 obs: lacking moral restraint: licentious
4: not literal or strict: loose "a ~ translation"
5: broad-minded; esp: not bound by authoritarianism, orthodoxy, or traditional forms
6. a: of, favoring, or based upon the principles of liberalism b cap: of or constituting a political party advocating or associated with the principles of political liberalism; esp: of or constituting a political party in the United Kingdom associated with ideals of individual esp. economic freedom, greater individual participation in government, and constitutional, political, and administrative reforms designed to secure these objectives -- lib.er.al.ly adv -- lib.er.al.ness n syn liberal, generous, bountiful, munificent mean giving or given freely and unstintingly. liberal suggests openhandedness in the giver and largeness in the thing or amount given "a teacher liberal with her praise". generous stresses warmhearted readiness to give more than size or importance of the gift "a generous offer of help". bountiful suggests lavish, unremitting giving or providing "children spoiled by bountiful presents". munificent suggests a scale of giving appropriate to lords or princes "a munificent foundation grant".
[2]liberal n (1820): a person who is liberal: as a: one who is open-minded or not strict in the observance of orthodox, traditional, or established forms or ways b cap: a member or supporter of a liberal political party c: an advocate or adherent of liberalism esp. in individual rights