liberal
gb/lˈɪbɚəl/ us/lˈɪbɚəl/
B1
English
~ 1800
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B2
property
1
favoring progressive policies
Believing in new ideas, fairness, and equal rights for all people.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is liberal
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'liberal' with 'generous' and use it in contexts about money instead of politics.
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.)
Collocations
liberal values
|liberal agenda
|liberal politician
|liberal viewpoint
Themes
politics
|society
|law
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She has always been a liberal when it comes to social issues.
- The new law was strongly supported by liberal groups.
- 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.
- He is a liberal person who likes change.
- Many students have liberal ideas.
- She is liberal and supports equal rights.
adjective
B1
property
2
generous in giving
Giving or sharing much; generous.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is liberal with [something]
Common mistake:
Learners may mistakenly think 'liberal' here means 'politically progressive'. Context is important.
Synonyms
generous (The most common synonym; focuses on kindness in giving.)
Antonyms
stingy (Unwilling to give or share much.)
Collocations
liberal portion
|liberal donation
|liberal supply
Themes
daily life
|character
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- They served a liberal helping of dessert.
- She was liberal with her praise for the team.
- 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.
- My uncle is liberal with his money.
- She is liberal with her time for friends.
adjective
B1
property
3
open-minded and tolerant
Accepting new ideas and different ways of thinking or living.
Usage pattern:
[someone] has a liberal attitude toward [something]
Synonyms
open-minded (Focuses on the willingness to consider different viewpoints.)
Antonyms
narrow-minded (Unwilling to accept ideas or people different from oneself.)
Collocations
liberal attitude
|liberal approach
Themes
personality
|communication
|emotions
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Her parents have a liberal attitude toward dating.
- He is very liberal about allowing flexible work hours.
- The school has a liberal dress code policy.
Learner examples
- My boss is liberal about working from home.
- They are liberal about school rules.
- She is liberal about how her kids spend their time.
Noun
B2
entity
4
progressive-minded person
Someone who believes in change, fairness, and equal rights for everyone.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is a liberal
Synonyms
progressive (Similar political leaning, though can imply stronger advocacy for change.)
Antonyms
conservative (Holds traditional values and resists change.)
Collocations
self-described liberal
|liberal activist
Themes
politics
|law
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She identifies as a liberal.
- Liberals often support environmental policies.
- The debate was between a conservative and a liberal.
Learner examples
- My friend is a liberal.
- Liberals want equal rights for all people.
- He is a liberal who likes new ideas.
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.