# libertarian

/ˌɫɪˌbɝˈtɛˌɹiən/ (US) · /lˌɪbətˈeəɹiən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/libertarian
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. political supporter

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

someone who believes that the government should not interfere in people's lives or the economy.

For teachers: an advocate of a political philosophy that emphasises individual autonomy, free markets, and the reduction of state power.

- As a libertarian, he believes that people should be allowed to make their own choices without government rules.
- The candidate identified as a libertarian, arguing that the federal government should drastically reduce its involvement in both social issues and market regulations.

Usage: Often used to describe a specific political identity in the United States and Europe.

### 2. philosophy of free will

noun · CEFR C2 · Academic · Technical

a person who believes that humans have free will and can choose their own future.

For teachers: a person who adheres to the doctrine of free will, maintaining that human choices are not predetermined by prior causes.

- In the debate about fate, the libertarian argued that we are responsible for every choice we make.
- The philosophical libertarian rejects the notion of causal determinism, insisting instead that moral responsibility requires the existence of genuine alternative possibilities for action.

Teaching tip: This sense is specific to metaphysics and philosophy; in everyday conversation, the word almost always refers to politics.

### 3. describing freedom-based views

adjective · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

describing ideas or laws that support personal freedom and less government control.

For teachers: relating to or advocating for the principles of libertarianism, particularly regarding civil liberties and economic non-intervention.

- The group proposed a libertarian solution to the problem of high taxes.
- The think tank published a series of libertarian proposals aimed at deregulating the energy sector and promoting private competition.

## Examples

- As a libertarian, he believes the government should lower all taxes.
- The candidate ran as a libertarian, promising to reduce federal regulations and protect personal privacy rights.
- While some argue for increased social safety nets, the libertarian perspective maintains that private charity and individual responsibility are more effective and ethical than state-mandated programs.

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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.