Main Entry:

lib·er·al·ism

Pronunciation:

\ˈli-b(ə-)rə-ˌli-zəm\

Function:

noun

Date:

1819

1: the quality or state of being liberal2 aoften capitalized : a movement in modern Protestantism emphasizing intellectual liberty and the spiritual and ethical content of Christianity b: a theory in economics emphasizing individual freedom from restraint and usually based on free competition, the self-regulating market, and the gold standard c: a political philosophy based on belief in progress, the essential goodness of the human race, and the autonomy of the individual and standing for the protection of political and civil liberties ; specifically : such a philosophy that considers government as a crucial instrument for amelioration of social inequities (as those involving race, gender, or class) dcapitalized : the principles and policies of a Liberal party

— lib·er·al·ist \-b(ə-)rə-list\ noun or adjective

— lib·er·al·is·tic \ˌli-b(ə-)rə-ˈlis-tik\ adjective