n.
Pronunciation: ' li-b( ə -)r ə - ˌ li-z ə m
Function: noun
Date: 1819
1 : the quality or state of being liberal
2 a often capitalized : a movement in modern Protestantism emphasizing intellectual liberty and the spiritual and ethical content of Christianity b : a theory in economics emphasizing individual freedom from restraint and usually based on free competition, the self-regulating market, and the gold standard c : a political philosophy based on belief in progress, the essential goodness of the human race, and the autonomy of the individual and standing for the protection of political and civil liberties d capitalized : the principles and policies of a Liberal party
– lib · er · al · ist \ -b( ə -)r ə -list \ noun or adjective
– lib · er · al · is · tic \ ˌ li-b( ə -)r ə - ' lis-tik \ adjective