Per my 1993 version of Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 10th Edition: We'll start with the derivation, "adj [ME, fr. MF, fr. L liberalis suitable for a freeman, generous, fr. liber free; perh. akin to OE leodan to grow, Gk eleutheros free] (14c)."
I will include every definition so as not to be seen as picking and choosing.
"1 a: of, relating to, or based on the liberal arts. b archaic: of or befitting a man of free birth. 2 a: marked by generosity: OPENHANDED (a ~ giver) b: given or provided in a generous and openhanded way c: ample, full. 3 obs: lacking moral restraint: LICENTIOUS 4: not literal or strict: LOOSE (a ~ translation) 5: BROAD-MINDED, esp: not bound by authoritarianism, orthodoxy or traditional forms 6 a: of, favoring or based upon the principles of liberalism b cap: of or constituting a political party advocating or associated with the principles of political liberalism: esp: of or constituting a political party in the United Kingdom associated with ideals of individual esp. economic freedom, greater individual participation in government and constitutional, political and administrative reforms designed to secure these objectives -- liberally adv -- liberalness n...syn LIBERAL, GENEROUS, BOUNTIFUL, MUNIFICENT mean giving or given freely and unstintingly. LIBERAL suggests openhandedness in the giver and largeness in the thing or amount given (a teacher liberal with her praise). GENEROUS stresses warmhearted readiness to give more than size or importance of the gift (a generous offer of help). BOUNTIFUL suggests lavish, unremitting giving or providing (children spoiled by bountiful presents). MUNIFICENT suggests a scale of giving appropriate to lords or princes (a munificent foundation grant)
2Liberal n (1820): a person who is liberal: as a: one who is openminded or not strict in the observance of orthodox, traditional or established forms or ways b: cap: a member or supporter of a liberal political party c: an advocate or adherent of liberalism esp. in individual rights."
"Liberalism n (1819) 1: the quality or state of being liberal 2 a often cap: a movement in modern Protestantism emphasizing intellectual liberty and the spiritual and ethical content of Christianity b: a theory in economics emphasizing individual freedom from restraint and usu. based on free competition, the self-regulating market and the gold standard c: a political philosophy based on belief in progress, the essential goodness of the human race, and the autonomy of the individual and standing for the protection of political and civil liberties d: cap: the principles and policies of a Liberal party."
I AM A LIBERAL! Perhaps you are too and didn't know it.
I'm sure there are opinions that differ from this definition, and I would encourage any to comment who has a dictionary with a vastly different definition. I'd also be curious what a newer version has to say.
The 3 words I was surprised to not see as part of these definitions are questioning, curious and skeptical.
government politics philosophy independent liberal liberalism Webster's dictionary definition
6 comments:
I like JFK's definition. It suits me fine.
Just as being a liberal is a constantly evolving term, being a conservative is a constantly evolving term as well...
yes, in usage by the other sides, but I put that dictionary definition up to expose a couple of misconceptions but mostly to point out that that's the kind of liberal I was raised to be and always have been...and what I believe a true liberal really is.
Well damn! I guess I am a liberal too! "Please allow me to introduce myself. I'm a man of wealth and fame."
As Robbie says...JFK says it pretty well. Thanks for stopping by.
P.S. I'm just a Stones fan and can't resist when some good lyrics fit the mood. FM
Our (US) founding fathers were considered liberal in their day. We who hold to their ideals are now considered conservative. Liberal has come to mean "liberal application of government," or leftist.
If you hold to the same ideals as the founding fathers, you're considered so liberal by the right it isn't funny.
The definition of liberal hasn't changed...who's deciding who's liberal certainly has.
And the current US administration certainly has "a liberal application of govt," it's more govt than we've ever had.
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