LIBERAL

I. adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin ~is suitable for a freeman, generous, from liber free; perhaps akin to Old English lēodan to grow, Greek eleutheros free Date: 14th century 1. of, relating to, or based on the ~ arts , of or befitting a man of free birth, 2. marked by generosity ; openhanded , given or provided in a generous and openhanded way , ample , full , lacking moral restraint ; licentious , not literal or strict ; loose , broad-minded , 6. of, favoring, or based upon the principles of ~ism, of or constituting a political party advocating or associated with the principles of political ~ism, ~ly adverb ~ness noun Synonyms: see: ~ II. noun Date: 1820 a person who is ~: as, one who is open-minded or not strict in the observance of orthodox, traditional, or established forms or ways, a member or supporter of a ~ political party, an advocate or adherent of ~ism especially in individual rights