ENGLISH
REFERENCE

conservative

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //kənˈsɝvətɪv// UK //kənsˈɜːvətˌɪv// con·ser·va·tive General-service

n. a person who prefers traditional values and is careful about making big changes to society. In politics, this often describes someone who supports lower taxes and private business.

n. a person who is averse to change and holds traditional values, typically in relation to politics or religion. When capitalised, it refers specifically to a member or supporter of a Conservative Party.


SIMPLE

The young conservative voted for the traditional candidate.

CONTEXTUAL

As a fiscal conservative, he argued that the government should reduce its spending to avoid a budget deficit.

COMPLEX

The debate highlighted the tension between those seeking radical social reform and the conservatives who maintained that existing institutions provided the necessary stability for a functioning democracy.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

Often capitalised when referring to a specific political party member; remains lowercase when describing a general personality type or philosophical stance.

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