conservative
gb/kənsˈɚvɪtɪv/ us/kənsˈɚvɪtɪv/
A2
English
~ 2200
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B1
property
1
resistant to change
Not liking big changes; wanting to keep things the way they are, especially in politics or society.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is conservative about [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'conservative' with 'conservation', which means protecting the environment.
Synonyms
traditionalist (Emphasizes preference for traditional customs and beliefs.)
Antonyms
progressive (Favors change and new ideas, often in politics or society.)
Collocations
conservative views
|conservative approach
|conservative values
|conservative party
Themes
politics
|society
|values
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She has conservative views on marriage.
- The voters chose a conservative candidate.
- His conservative approach to business kept the company stable.
- They are conservative about spending public money.
Learner examples
- My grandfather is very conservative.
- She is conservative about new ideas.
- He has conservative political views.
- They take a conservative approach to change.
adjective
B2
property
2
careful and risk-averse
Careful and not taking big risks.
Usage pattern:
a conservative estimate/approach/strategy
Synonyms
cautious (Focuses on being careful to avoid danger or mistakes.)
Antonyms
bold (Willing to take big risks or act without fear.)
Collocations
conservative estimate
|conservative strategy
|conservative investment
Themes
business
|finance
|decision-making
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- We made a conservative estimate of the costs.
- Investors are taking a conservative approach during uncertain times.
- The doctor gave a conservative treatment plan first.
Learner examples
- He gave a conservative guess about the price.
- They took a conservative plan for the trip.
- This is a conservative way to invest money.
Noun
B1
entity
3
person with traditional views
A person who does not like big changes and wants to keep things as they are, especially in politics.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is a conservative
Synonyms
traditionalist (A person who supports long-established customs.)
Antonyms
liberal (A person who supports new ideas and social progress.)
Collocations
staunch conservative
|social conservative
|fiscal conservative
Themes
politics
|society
|relationships
Examples
- He is a well-known conservative in the Senate.
- As a conservative, she opposed the new reforms.
- Many conservatives support lower taxes.
Learner examples
- My uncle is a conservative.
- She is a conservative in politics.
- Conservatives do not like fast changes.
adjective
A2
property
4
modest in style or dress
Simple and not too bright or extreme in color, design, or style.
Usage pattern:
a conservative design/style/color/outfit
Synonyms
modest (Suggests simplicity and lack of showiness.)
Antonyms
flashy (Bright, showy, and attention-grabbing.)
Collocations
conservative suit
|conservative hairstyle
|conservative color
Themes
fashion
|appearance
|clothing
|daily_life
Examples
- He wore a conservative suit to the interview.
- The room was decorated in a conservative style.
- Her makeup was conservative for the formal event.
Learner examples
- I like a conservative dress for work.
- He wears conservative colors at school.
- This is a conservative style of shoes.
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.