C1adjective 2K

Liberal

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈlɪbərəl/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈlɪbərəl/"]/

Meaning of Liberal

willing to understand and respect other people’s behaviour, opinions, etc., especially when they are different from your own; believing people should be able to choose how they behave

In simple words: Open to new ideas and changes, especially in politics.

Liberal in a sentence

• The liberal approach to education encourages creative thinking and innovation.
• Many liberal policies focus on social justice and equality.
• In politics, a liberal viewpoint often contrasts with conservative beliefs.
• He has a very liberal interpretation of the law that allows for flexibility.
• The liberal arts curriculum includes a wide range of subjects.

How to use Liberal

Use 'liberal' when discussing political views or social attitudes that support freedom and equality. It can also relate to broader contexts of openness. Avoid in highly formal contexts unless discussing specific political ideologies.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'liberty' which sounds similar and relates to freedom.

Related words

Collocations with Liberal

• be
• extremely
• fairly
• very
• be
• comparatively
• relatively
• broadly
• on
• be
• become
• fairly
• very
• with

Synonyms for Liberal

• lavish
• free

Opposites of Liberal

• conservative
• traditional
• restrictive

Common mistakes with Liberal

• Confused with 'liberate' which means to free someone.
• Assuming 'liberal' is always positive; it can have negative connotations depending on the speaker's viewpoint.
• Using it incorrectly as a noun without context, e.g. 'He's a liberal.' when speaking informally.

Frequently asked questions about Liberal

What does Liberal mean?

Open to new ideas and changes, especially in politics.

What is the definition of Liberal?

willing to understand and respect other people’s behaviour, opinions, etc., especially when they are different from your own; believing people should be able to choose how they behave

How do you use Liberal in a sentence?

The liberal approach to education encourages creative thinking and innovation.

Can you give another example of Liberal?

Many liberal policies focus on social justice and equality.

What are synonyms for Liberal?

Common alternatives include lavish, free.

What is the opposite of Liberal?

Opposite meanings include conservative, traditional, restrictive.

What words go with Liberal?

It commonly pairs with be, extremely, fairly, very, be, comparatively, relatively, broadly, on, be, become, fairly, very, with.

What are common mistakes when using Liberal?

Confused with 'liberate' which means to free someone. Assuming 'liberal' is always positive; it can have negative connotations depending on the speaker's viewpoint. Using it incorrectly as a noun without context, e.g. 'He's a liberal.' when speaking informally.

How do you pronounce Liberal?

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

When should I use Liberal?

Use 'liberal' when discussing political views or social attitudes that support freedom and equality. It can also relate to broader contexts of openness. Avoid in highly formal contexts unless discussing specific political ideologies.

What CEFR level is Liberal?

"Liberal" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.