adj. & n.
--adj.
1. given freely; ample, abundant.
2 (often foll. by of) giving freely, generous, not sparing.
3 open-minded, not prejudiced.
4 not strict or rigorous; (of interpretation) not literal.
5 for general broadening of the mind, not professional or technical (liberal studies).
6 a favouring individual liberty, free trade, and moderate political and social reform. b (Liberal) of or characteristic of Liberals or a Liberal Party.
7 Theol. regarding many traditional beliefs as dispensable, invalidated by modern thought, or liable to change (liberal Protestant; liberal Judaism).
--n.
1. a person of liberal views.
2 (Liberal) a supporter or member of a Liberal Party.
Phrases and idioms:
liberal arts
1. US the arts as distinct from science and technology.
2 hist. the medieval trivium and quadrivium. Liberal Democrat (in the UK) a member of a party (formerly the Social and Liberal Democrats) formed from the Liberal Party and members of the Social Democratic Party. Liberal Party a political party advocating liberal policies.
Usage:
In the UK the name was discontinued in official use in 1988, when the party regrouped with others to form the Social and Liberal Democrats (see Liberal Democrat).
Derivatives:
liberalism n. liberalist n. liberalistic adj. liberally adv. liberalness n.
Etymology: ME, orig. befitting a free man, f. OF f. L liberalis f. liber free (man)