adj. & n.
adj. 1 a averse to rapid change. b (of views, taste, etc.) moderate, avoiding extremes (conservative in his dress). 2 (of an estimate etc.) purposely low; moderate, cautious. 3 (Conservative) of or characteristic of Conservatives or the Conservative Party. 4 tending to conserve.
n. 1 a conservative person. 2 (Conservative) a supporter or member of the Conservative Party. Conservative Judaism Judaism allowing only minor changes in traditional ritual etc. Conservative Party 1 a British political party promoting free enterprise and private ownership. 2 a similar party elsewhere. conservative surgery surgery that seeks to preserve tissues as far as possible. conservatism n. conservatively adv. conservativeness n.
[ ME f. LL conservativus (as conserve) ]