Not narrow or contracted in mind; not selfish; enlarged in spirit; catholic.
Not bound by orthodox tenets or established forms in political or religious philosophy; independent in opinion; not conservative; friendly to great freedom in the constitution or administration of government; having tendency toward democratic or republican, as distinguished from monarchical or aristocratic, forms; as, liberal thinkers; liberal Christians; the Liberal party.
One who favors greater freedom in political or religious matters; an opponent of the established systems; a reformer; in English politics, a member of the Liberal party, so called. Cf. Whig.
A political commitment to the idea that social change is best effected by working within existing legal, political, and social structures.
Favoring proposals for reform, open to new ideas for progress, and tolerant of the ideas and behavior of others -- Although I am a 'big-C' and 'small-c' Conservative, I'm also proud to call my self a 'small-l' liberal.........In no way am I a 'big-L' Liberal though.
favoring or permitting freedom of action, especially with respect to matters of personal belief or expression.
another name for Jews who hold to the Progressive ideas, allowing alterations to the practice of Judaism but adhering to the spirit of the Torah. This is the latest movement to arise out of the Reform movement of the early nineteenth century. Liberal Jews believe that faith and sincerity of heart are of more importance that empty ritual, and so have begun to adapt and revise traditional ceremonies and services to reflect this.
a person who favors a political philosophy of progress and reform and the protection of civil liberties
a person who favors an economic theory of laissez-faire and self-regulating markets
showing or characterized by broad-mindedness; "a broad political stance"; "generous and broad sympathies"; "a liberal newspaper"; "tolerant of his opponent's opinions"
having political or social views favoring reform and progress
tolerant of change; not bound by authoritarianism, orthodoxy, or tradition
a man too broad-minded to take his own side in a quarrel
a person who is critical of the status quo, who wants progressive social change
a person who is so open minded that their brains have fallen out
In the U.S. political spectrum, “liberals” are said to be slightly left-of-center or somewhat left-of-center. Of the two main political parties, the Democrats are thought to be more liberal, as the term is currently defined. “Political” liberals tend to favor greater federal power to remedy perceived social inequities; “cultural” liberals tend to support a woman’s right to choose when to give birth, as well as feminism, homosexual rights, and similar freedoms of personal choice and behavior.
A person who generally supports expanded governmental programs to help solve social problems, and favors political reform and social change.
Warmhearted, generous, freethinking. Favoring proposals for reform, open to new ideas for progress, and tolerant of the ideas and behavior of others; broad-minded. Synonyms: Tolerant, Open-minded, Generous, Freethinking Antonyms: Narrow-minded, Bigoted, Prejudiced.
one who advocates greater freedom
Implying a political and social tolerance of different views and lifestyles. In the United States, applies to a political preference for increased governmental involvement, especially in matters of social welfare.
people who generally like to reform current conditions. Liberals are often referred to as the left wing.
One of the most liberal movements of Judaism in the United Kingdom, but somewhat more traditional than the American Reform Movement.
Political viewpoint with origins in Western Europe during the 19th century; stressed limited state interference in individual life, representation of propertied people in government; urged importance of constitutional rule and parliaments. (p. 702)