I. kən-ˈsər-və-tiv adjective
Date: 14th century
1. : preservative
2.
a. : of or relating to a philosophy of conservatism
b. capitalized : of or constituting a political party professing the principles of conservatism: as
(1) : of or constituting a party of the United Kingdom advocating support of established institutions
(2) : Progressive Conservative
3.
a. : tending or disposed to maintain existing views, conditions, or institutions : traditional
b. : marked by moderation or caution
a conservative estimate
c. : marked by or relating to traditional norms of taste, elegance, style, or manners
a conservative suit
4. : of, relating to, or practicing Conservative Judaism
• con·ser·va·tive·ly adverb
• con·ser·va·tive·ness noun
II. noun
Date: 1831
1.
a. : an adherent or advocate of political conservatism
b. capitalized : a member or supporter of a conservative political party
2.
a. : one who adheres to traditional methods or views
b. : a cautious or discreet person