liberal
gb/lˈɪbɚəl/ us/lˈɪbɚəl/
B1
English
~ 1800
liberális, bőkezű, bőséges, nyitott, megengedő, rugalmas
B2
1
liberális
B2
Usage pattern:
[someone] is liberal
She has always been a liberal when it comes to social issues.
Társadalmi kérdésekben mindig is liberális volt.
The new law was strongly supported by liberal groups.
Az új törvényt határozottan támogatták a liberális csoportok.
He is considered one of the most liberal members of the senate.
Many young voters identify as liberal.
Liberal thinkers often push for reform.
Learner examples
My teacher is very liberal about dress rules.
A tanárom nagyon liberális az öltözködési szabályokkal kapcsolatban.
He is a liberal person who likes change.
Liberális ember, aki szereti a változásokat.
Many students have liberal ideas.
She is liberal and supports equal rights.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'liberal' with 'generous' and use it in contexts about money instead of politics.
Meaning
favoring progressive policies
Collocations
liberal values
|liberal agenda
|liberal politician
|liberal viewpoint
Synonyms
progressive (Often used in the U.S. to emphasize forward-looking social policies, sometimes more specific than 'liberal'.)
Antonyms
conservative (Supports traditional values and is cautious about change.)
Themes
politics
|society
|law
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Believing in new ideas, fairness, and equal rights for all people.
Holding political and social views that favor reform, individual rights, and equality.
B1
2
Usage pattern:
[someone] is liberal with [something]
They served a liberal helping of dessert.
Bőséges adag desszertet szolgáltak fel.
She was liberal with her praise for the team.
Bőkezűen dicsérte a csapatot.
The charity received a liberal donation from an anonymous donor.
He applied a liberal amount of oil to the hinges.
Learner examples
He gave me a liberal piece of cake.
Jó nagy szelet tortát adott nekem.
My uncle is liberal with his money.
A nagybátyám bőkezűen bánik a pénzével.
She is liberal with her time for friends.
Common mistake:
Learners may mistakenly think 'liberal' here means 'politically progressive'. Context is important.
Meaning
generous in giving
Collocations
liberal portion
|liberal donation
|liberal supply
Synonyms
generous (The most common synonym; focuses on kindness in giving.)
Antonyms
stingy (Unwilling to give or share much.)
Themes
daily life
|character
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Giving or sharing much; generous.
Willing to give or share in large amounts; generous.
B1
3
Usage pattern:
[someone] has a liberal attitude toward [something]
Her parents have a liberal attitude toward dating.
A szülei megengedően állnak hozzá a randizáshoz.
He is very liberal about allowing flexible work hours.
Nagyon rugalmasan áll hozzá a rugalmas munkaidő engedélyezéséhez.
The school has a liberal dress code policy.
Learner examples
My boss is liberal about working from home.
A főnököm rugalmas az otthoni munkavégzéssel kapcsolatban.
They are liberal about school rules.
Megengedően kezelik az iskolai szabályokat.
She is liberal about how her kids spend their time.
Meaning
open-minded and tolerant
Collocations
liberal attitude
|liberal approach
Synonyms
open-minded (Focuses on the willingness to consider different viewpoints.)
Antonyms
narrow-minded (Unwilling to accept ideas or people different from oneself.)
Themes
personality
|communication
|emotions
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Accepting new ideas and different ways of thinking or living.
Willing to consider new ideas and accept people who are different from oneself.
NOUN
B2
4
liberális
B2
Usage pattern:
[someone] is a liberal
She identifies as a liberal.
Liberálisnak vallja magát.
Liberals often support environmental policies.
A liberálisok gyakran támogatják a környezetvédelmi intézkedéseket.
The debate was between a conservative and a liberal.
Learner examples
My friend is a liberal.
A barátom liberális.
Liberals want equal rights for all people.
A liberálisok egyenlő jogokat szeretnének mindenkinek.
He is a liberal who likes new ideas.
Meaning
progressive-minded person
Collocations
self-described liberal
|liberal activist
Synonyms
progressive (Similar political leaning, though can imply stronger advocacy for change.)
Antonyms
conservative (Holds traditional values and resists change.)
Themes
politics
|law
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Someone who believes in change, fairness, and equal rights for everyone.
A person who holds political and social views favoring reform, individual rights, and equality.
Grammar
Dictionary form
liberal
IPA
GB/lˈɪbɚəl/
US/lˈɪbɚəl/
Syllables & stress
lib - er - al (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (lib)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: liberal
Noun
- Base: liberal
- Plural: liberals
Word family
Forms
liberals
noun
Core family
liberally
adverb B2
liberalism
noun B2
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
illiberal
adjective
Advanced or less common
liberality
noun
neoliberal
adjective
Expressions
liberal arts
1/lˈɪbɚəl ˈɑɹts/
fixed phrase
humanities and sciences studies
College or university studies like literature, history, and science, not job training.
Examples
- She earned a degree in the liberal arts.
- A liberal arts education encourages critical thinking.
liberal democracy
1/lˈɪbɚəl dɪmˈɑkɹəsi/
fixed phrase
democracy with individual rights protections
A type of government where people vote freely and their rights are protected by law.
Examples
- Many countries in Europe are liberal democracies.
- Liberal democracy depends on fair elections and rule of law.