liberalism Definition
- 1a political and social philosophy that advocates for individual freedom, representative democracy, and the rule of law
- 2a belief in the importance of progress, innovation, and change, especially in the context of social, economic, and political institutions
- 3a willingness to challenge traditional or established views, values, or practices, often in the pursuit of greater equality, justice, or diversity
Using liberalism: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "liberalism" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Liberalism emphasizes individual rights and freedoms.
Example
The liberal party supports policies that promote social welfare and equality.
Example
Many people view liberalism as a threat to traditional values and institutions.
liberalism Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for liberalism
Antonyms for liberalism
Phrases with liberalism
a political ideology that emphasizes individual freedom, limited government, and free-market capitalism
Example
Classical liberalism was popularized by thinkers such as John Locke and Adam Smith.
neoliberalism
a modified form of liberalism that emphasizes free-market capitalism, deregulation, and globalization
Example
Neoliberalism has been criticized for exacerbating income inequality and environmental degradation.
social liberalism
a political ideology that combines liberal principles with a commitment to social justice and equality
Example
Social liberalism emphasizes the importance of government intervention to promote social welfare and reduce inequality.
Origins of liberalism
from the Latin word 'liberalis', meaning 'of or relating to a free person'
Summary: liberalism in Brief
Liberalism [ˈlɪbərəlɪzəm] is a political and social philosophy that prioritizes individual freedom, representative democracy, and the rule of law. It also values progress, innovation, and change, often in the pursuit of greater equality, justice, or diversity. Liberalism can be divided into subcategories like classical liberalism, which emphasizes free-market capitalism, and social liberalism, which combines liberal principles with a commitment to social justice and equality.
