liberalism
UK: ˈlɪbərəlɪzəm | US: ˈlɪbərəlɪzəm
n. A political or social philosophy advocating individual freedom, equality, and government protection of civil rights.
n. The belief in progressive reform and openness to new ideas.
n. (Historical) A 19th-century movement emphasizing free trade and limited government intervention.
liberal<free> + ism<doctrine>
- liberal: From Latin liber (free), originally referring to qualities befitting a free person (e.g., generosity, open-mindedness).
- ism: A suffix from Greek -ismos, denoting a distinctive practice, system, or philosophy.
Etymology Origin:
The word liberalism emerged in the early 19th century, combining liberal (rooted in the Latin liber, meaning "free") with -ism to form a term for ideologies prioritizing individual liberty. Initially tied to Enlightenment ideals, it evolved to encompass economic freedom (classical liberalism) and later social equality (modern liberalism). The morphemes reflect its core ethos: liberal (freedom) + ism (philosophy).
Liberalism emphasizes the protection of human rights and democratic governance.
Economic liberalism advocates for minimal state interference in markets.
Modern liberalism often supports social welfare programs.
His views shifted from conservatism to liberalism during college.
The party’s platform blends environmentalism with traditional liberalism.