I. ˈli-b(ə-)rəl adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin liberalis suitable for a freeman, generous, from liber free; perhaps akin to Old English lēodan to grow, Greek eleutheros free
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : of, relating to, or based on the liberal arts
liberal education
b. archaic : of or befitting a man of free birth
2.
a. : marked by generosity : openhanded
a liberal giver
b. : given or provided in a generous and openhanded way
a liberal meal
c. : ample , full
3. obsolete : lacking moral restraint : licentious
4. : not literal or strict : loose
a liberal translation
5. : broad-minded ; especially : not bound by authoritarianism, orthodoxy, or traditional forms
6.
a. : of, favoring, or based upon the principles of liberalism
b. capitalized : of or constituting a political party advocating or associated with the principles of political liberalism ; especially : of or constituting a political party in the United Kingdom associated with ideals of individual especially economic freedom, greater individual participation in government, and constitutional, political, and administrative reforms designed to secure these objectives
• lib·er·al·ly -b(ə-)rə-lē adverb
• lib·er·al·ness noun
Synonyms:
liberal , generous , bountiful , munificent mean giving or given freely and unstintingly. liberal suggests openhandedness in the giver and largeness in the thing or amount given
a teacher liberal with her praise
generous stresses warmhearted readiness to give more than size or importance of the gift
a generous offer of help
bountiful suggests lavish, unremitting giving or providing
children spoiled by bountiful presents
munificent suggests a scale of giving appropriate to lords or princes
a munificent foundation grant
II. noun
Date: 1820
: a person who is liberal: as
a. : one who is open-minded or not strict in the observance of orthodox, traditional, or established forms or ways
b. capitalized : a member or supporter of a liberal political party
c. : an advocate or adherent of liberalism especially in individual rights