CONSERVATIVE


Meaning of CONSERVATIVE in English

/ kənˈsɜːvətɪv; NAmE -ˈsɜːrv-/ adjective , noun

■ adjective

1.

opposed to great or sudden social change; showing that you prefer traditional styles and values :

the conservative views of his parents

Her style of dress was never conservative.

2.

(usually Conservative ) connected with the British Conservative Party :

Conservative members / supporters

3.

( of an estimate ) lower than what is probably the real amount or number :

At a conservative estimate , he'll be earning £50 000.

►  con·ser·va·tive·ly adverb

■ noun

1.

(usually Conservative ) ( abbr. Con ) a member or supporter of the British Conservative Party

2.

a conservative person

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WORD ORIGIN

late Middle English (in the sense aiming to preserve ): from late Latin conservativus , from conservat- conserved, from the verb conservare to preserve, from con- together + servare to keep. Current senses date from the mid 19th cent.

Oxford Advanced Learner's English Dictionary.      Оксфордский английский словарь для изучающик язык на продвинутом уровне.