Definition of liberal

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< Liberace,

liberal arts >

lib·er·al    (lbr-l, lbrl) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:

1. 1. Not limited to or by established, traditional, orthodox, or authoritarian attitudes, views, or dogmas; free from bigotry.
   2. Favoring proposals for reform, open to new ideas for progress, and tolerant of the ideas and behavior of others; broad-minded.
   3. Of, relating to, or characteristic of liberalism.
   4. Liberal Of, designating, or characteristic of a political party founded on or associated with principles of social and political liberalism, especially in Great Britain, Canada, and the United States.
2. 1. Tending to give freely; generous: a liberal benefactor.
   2. Generous in amount; ample: a liberal serving of potatoes.
3. Not strict or literal; loose or approximate: a liberal translation.
4. Of, relating to, or based on the traditional arts and sciences of a college or university curriculum: a liberal education.
5. 1. Archaic Permissible or appropriate for a person of free birth; befitting a lady or gentleman.
   2. Obsolete Morally unrestrained; licentious.

NOUN:

1. A person with liberal ideas or opinions.
2. Liberal A member of a Liberal political party.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, generous, from Old French, from Latin lberlis, from lber, free; see leudh- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
liber·al·ly(Adverb), liber·al·ness(Noun)

SYNONYMS:
liberal, bounteous, bountiful, freehanded, generous, handsome, munificent, openhanded

These adjectives mean willing or marked by a willingness to give unstintingly: a liberal backer of the arts; a bounteous feast; bountiful compliments; a freehanded host; a generous donation; a handsome offer; a munificent gift; fond and openhanded grandparents. See also Synonyms at broad-minded.
Antonym: stingy