# liberals

/ˈɫɪˌbɝəɫz/ (US) · /lˈɪbəɹəlz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/liberals
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. political/social group

noun · CEFR B2

people who believe in personal freedom, social change, and using the government to help solve social problems.

For teachers: individuals who advocate for political and social reform, typically supporting civil liberties, social justice, and government intervention in the economy.

- Many liberals in the city voted for the new environmental protection law.
- The debate highlighted the growing divide between fiscal conservatives and social liberals regarding the allocation of the municipal budget.

### 2. political party members

noun · CEFR B2

members or supporters of a specific political group called the Liberal Party.

For teachers: members or supporters of a specific political party named the Liberal Party, such as those in the UK, Canada, or Australia.

- The Liberals won several seats in the recent local elections.
- The Liberals maintained their parliamentary majority despite a significant challenge from the opposition during the spring session.

Usage: Often capitalised as 'Liberals' when referring to a specific party.

Teaching tip: Note that the political meaning of 'Liberal' varies by country; for example, the Liberal Party of Australia is considered centre-right, while in the US, 'liberal' is associated with the left.

## Examples

- Liberals often support policies that protect the environment.
- During the debate, the liberals argued for increased funding for public schools and healthcare services.
- The tension between classical liberals and modern progressives often centers on the degree to which the state should intervene in the free market to ensure social equity.

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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.