/ kənˈsɜːvətɪv; NAmE -ˈsɜːrv-/ adjective , noun
■ adjective
1.
opposed to great or sudden social change; showing that you prefer traditional styles and values :
the conservative views of his parents
Her style of dress was never conservative.
2.
(usually Conservative ) connected with the British Conservative Party :
Conservative members / supporters
3.
( of an estimate ) lower than what is probably the real amount or number :
At a conservative estimate , he'll be earning £50 000.
► con·ser·va·tive·ly adverb
■ noun
1.
(usually Conservative ) ( abbr. Con ) a member or supporter of the British Conservative Party
2.
a conservative person
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English (in the sense aiming to preserve ): from late Latin conservativus , from conservat- conserved, from the verb conservare to preserve, from con- together + servare to keep. Current senses date from the mid 19th cent.