B2adjective 1K

Conservative

🇬🇧 UK /["/kənˈsɜːvətɪv/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/kənˈsɜːrvətɪv/"]/

Meaning of Conservative

opposed to great or sudden social change; showing that you prefer traditional styles and values

In simple words: Someone who likes traditional ways and is cautious about change.

Conservative in a sentence

• Many voters identify themselves as conservative, believing in traditional values and limited government intervention.
• The conservative approach to budgeting emphasizes saving rather than spending.
• His conservative views on healthcare make him a strong opponent of universal coverage.
• She wore a conservative dress to the business meeting to project professionalism.
• In a conservative environment, people often prefer to stick to established norms and practices.

How to use Conservative

Use 'conservative' to describe political views, styles, or attitudes that prefer preservation of traditional values. It's appropriate in formal discussions but less so in casual contexts where 'old-fashioned' might be more relatable.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'conserve'—like saving old ideas and traditions.

Related words

Collocations with Conservative

• be
• become
• remain
• extremely
• fairly
• very
• be
• become
• remain
• extremely
• fairly
• very

Synonyms for Conservative

• traditional
• prudent
• cautious
• conventional
• old-fashioned

Opposites of Conservative

• liberal
• progressive
• radical

Common mistakes with Conservative

• 'Conservative' is often confused with 'liberal' which means the opposite.
• Using 'conservative' to describe only one aspect, like clothing, instead of referring to broader attitudes can be misleading.
• Learners may forget to specify what type of 'conservative' they mean (political, social, etc.).

Frequently asked questions about Conservative

What does Conservative mean?

Someone who likes traditional ways and is cautious about change.

What is the definition of Conservative?

opposed to great or sudden social change; showing that you prefer traditional styles and values

How do you use Conservative in a sentence?

Many voters identify themselves as conservative, believing in traditional values and limited government intervention.

Can you give another example of Conservative?

The conservative approach to budgeting emphasizes saving rather than spending.

What are synonyms for Conservative?

Common alternatives include traditional, prudent, cautious, conventional, old-fashioned.

What is the opposite of Conservative?

Opposite meanings include liberal, progressive, radical.

What words go with Conservative?

It commonly pairs with be, become, remain, extremely, fairly, very, be, become, remain, extremely, fairly, very.

What are common mistakes when using Conservative?

'Conservative' is often confused with 'liberal' which means the opposite. Using 'conservative' to describe only one aspect, like clothing, instead of referring to broader attitudes can be misleading. Learners may forget to specify what type of 'conservative' they mean (political, social, etc.).

How do you pronounce Conservative?

US: /["/kənˈsɜːrvətɪv/"]/, UK: /["/kənˈsɜːvətɪv/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Conservative?

Use 'conservative' to describe political views, styles, or attitudes that prefer preservation of traditional values. It's appropriate in formal discussions but less so in casual contexts where 'old-fashioned' might be more relatable.

What CEFR level is Conservative?

"Conservative" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.