# conservatism

/kənˈsɝvəˌtɪzəm/ (US) · /kənsˈɜːvətˌɪzəm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/conservatism
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. political philosophy

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic

a political belief that prefers traditional values and institutions, and usually wants to keep things as they are.

For teachers: a political and social philosophy that promotes retaining traditional social institutions and values, often resisting rapid or radical change.

- The candidate's conservatism appealed to voters who wanted to protect traditional family values.
- Modern European conservatism often balances a commitment to free-market economics with a strong emphasis on national sovereignty and cultural heritage.

### 2. caution or risk-aversion

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

a careful way of acting that avoids taking risks or making big changes.

For teachers: a cautious or risk-averse approach to a situation, often characterised by a preference for the status quo over innovation.

- The bank's conservatism meant they refused to lend money for risky new projects.
- The board's inherent conservatism led them to reject the merger, fearing that the cultural integration of the two firms would be too volatile.

## Examples

- The town is known for its deep conservatism and resistance to new ideas.
- The company's financial conservatism helped it survive the economic crash, as leaders had avoided taking on risky debts.
- While modern conservatism encompasses a broad spectrum of economic and social views, its core remains rooted in a skepticism of radical reform and a preference for organic, incremental development.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.