liberalism

noun

lib·​er·​al·​ism ˈli-b(ə-)rə-ˌli-zəm 

1

: the quality or state of being liberal

2

a

often 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 (see gold standard sense 1)

c

: a political philosophy based on belief in progress, the essential goodness of the human race, and the autonomy (see autonomy sense 2) 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 (such as those involving race, gender, or class)

d

capitalized : the principles and policies of a Liberal (see liberal entry 1 sense 6b) party

liberalist

ˈli-b(ə-)rə-list 

noun or adjective

liberalistic

ˌli-b(ə-)rə-ˈli-stik 

adjective

Synonyms

• left
• leftism
• left wing

Examples of liberalism in a Sentence

liberalism had always claimed to stand for the greatest social good

Recent Examples on the Web

In this spirited defense of liberalism, Lefebvre celebrates the ordinary, everyday virtues of life in a free and open society. —Alexandre Lefebvre, Foreign Affairs, 23 Apr. 2024

One of the few on the right who voted against Pinochet in a 1988 plebiscite, Piñera helped mold a new right wing that focused more on economic liberalism than Catholic conservatism and authoritarianism. —TIME, 7 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see liberal entry 1

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Kids Definition

liberalism

noun

lib·​er·​al·​ism ˈlib(-ə)-rə-ˌliz-əm 

: a political belief stressing progress, the essential goodness of humankind, and individual freedom