conservative
gb/kənsˈɚvɪtɪv/ us/kənsˈɚvɪtɪv/
A2
English
~ 2200
konzervatív, óvatos, visszafogott, szolid
B1
1
konzervatív
B2
Usage pattern:
[someone] is conservative about [something]
She has conservative views on marriage.
Konzervatív nézeteket vall a házasságról.
The voters chose a conservative candidate.
A választók konzervatív jelölt mellett döntöttek.
His conservative approach to business kept the company stable.
They are conservative about spending public money.
Learner examples
My grandfather is very conservative.
A nagyapám nagyon konzervatív.
She is conservative about new ideas.
Konzervatívan áll az új ötletekhez.
He has conservative political views.
They take a conservative approach to change.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'conservative' with 'conservation', which means protecting the environment.
Meaning
resistant to change
Collocations
conservative views
|conservative approach
|conservative values
|conservative party
Synonyms
traditionalist (Emphasizes preference for traditional customs and beliefs.)
Antonyms
progressive (Favors change and new ideas, often in politics or society.)
Themes
politics
|society
|values
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Not liking big changes; wanting to keep things the way they are, especially in politics or society.
Holding to traditional attitudes and values and cautious about change or innovation, typically in politics or culture.
B2
2
óvatos
A2
konzervatív
B2
Usage pattern:
a conservative estimate/approach/strategy
We made a conservative estimate of the costs.
Óvatos becslést készítettünk a költségekről.
Investors are taking a conservative approach during uncertain times.
A befektetők bizonytalan időkben óvatos megközelítést alkalmaznak.
The doctor gave a conservative treatment plan first.
Learner examples
He gave a conservative guess about the price.
Óvatos becslést mondott az árra.
They took a conservative plan for the trip.
Óvatos tervet választottak az utazáshoz.
This is a conservative way to invest money.
Meaning
careful and risk-averse
Collocations
conservative estimate
|conservative strategy
|conservative investment
Synonyms
cautious (Focuses on being careful to avoid danger or mistakes.)
Antonyms
bold (Willing to take big risks or act without fear.)
Themes
business
|finance
|decision-making
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Careful and not taking big risks.
Characterized by caution and avoidance of unnecessary risks or extremes.
NOUN
B1
3
konzervatív
B2
Usage pattern:
[someone] is a conservative
He is a well-known conservative in the Senate.
A Szenátus egyik ismert konzervatív politikusa.
As a conservative, she opposed the new reforms.
Konzervatívként ellenezte az új reformokat.
Many conservatives support lower taxes.
Learner examples
My uncle is a conservative.
A nagybátyám konzervatív.
She is a conservative in politics.
Politikai értelemben konzervatív.
Conservatives do not like fast changes.
Meaning
person with traditional views
Collocations
staunch conservative
|social conservative
|fiscal conservative
Synonyms
traditionalist (A person who supports long-established customs.)
Antonyms
liberal (A person who supports new ideas and social progress.)
Themes
politics
|society
|relationships
Definition
A person who does not like big changes and wants to keep things as they are, especially in politics.
A person who holds traditional attitudes and values, typically favoring limited government and cautious change.
A2
4
visszafogott
B2
szolid
B2
Usage pattern:
a conservative design/style/color/outfit
He wore a conservative suit to the interview.
Visszafogott öltönyt vett fel az állásinterjúra.
The room was decorated in a conservative style.
A szoba visszafogott stílusban volt berendezve.
Her makeup was conservative for the formal event.
Learner examples
I like a conservative dress for work.
Munkahelyre a visszafogott ruhákat szeretem.
He wears conservative colors at school.
Az iskolában visszafogott színeket visel.
This is a conservative style of shoes.
Meaning
modest in style or dress
Collocations
conservative suit
|conservative hairstyle
|conservative color
Synonyms
modest (Suggests simplicity and lack of showiness.)
Antonyms
flashy (Bright, showy, and attention-grabbing.)
Themes
fashion
|appearance
|clothing
|daily_life
Definition
Simple and not too bright or extreme in color, design, or style.
Not showy or extreme in appearance, style, or dress; restrained.
Grammar
Dictionary form
conservative
IPA
GB/kənsˈɚvɪtɪv/
US/kənsˈɚvɪtɪv/
Syllables & stress
con - ser - vat - ive (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ser)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: conservative
Noun
- Base: conservative
- Plural: conservatives
Word family
Forms
conservatives
noun
Core family
Related words
conservationist
noun
Negative and opposite forms
liberal
adjective B2
progressive
adjective B2
Advanced or less common
conservator
noun
Expressions
Conservative Party
1/kənsˈɚvɪtɪv pˈɑɹti/
fixed phrase
political party with traditional policies
A political group in some countries that supports traditional ideas and less government control over the economy.
Examples
- The Conservative Party won the election in the UK.
- He has been a member of the Conservative Party for ten years.
play it conservative
1/plˈeɪ ˈɪt kənsˈɚvɪtɪv/
idiom
informal
act carefully to avoid risk
To be careful and not take big risks.
Examples
- He decided to play it conservative in the stock market.
- They played it conservative with their wedding budget.