# liberal

/ˈɫɪˌbɝəɫ/ (US) · /lˈɪbəɹəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

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

## Definition

a person who believes in personal freedom and social progress. They usually support the government helping people and protecting individual rights.

For teachers: a supporter of a political philosophy based on belief in progress, the essential goodness of the human race, and the autonomy of the individual. Often associated with the protection of civil liberties and, in modern contexts, state-led social reform.

## Examples

- The liberals in the city voted for the new environmental law.
- As a lifelong liberal, he campaigned tirelessly for marriage equality and expanded access to public healthcare.
- The tension between classical liberals, who prioritize market freedom, and social liberals, who advocate for a robust welfare state, continues to define much of modern political discourse.

## Usage notes

- Often capitalized when referring to a member of a specific political party, such as the Liberal Party in Canada or Australia.

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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.