Conservative: meaning, definitions and examples

👴

Add to dictionary

conservative

[ kənˈsəːvətɪv ]

^{Context #1}

politics

A person who is averse to change and holds traditional values and beliefs, often in politics or religion.

Synonyms

reactionary, right-winger, traditionalist

Examples of usage

The conservative party won the election.
She is a staunch conservative who opposes any new policies.

^{Context #2}

describing behavior

Tending to resist change or innovation, favoring traditional values and practices.

Synonyms

cautious, moderate, traditional

Examples of usage

His conservative views on social issues make him hesitant to embrace change.
The company has a conservative approach to risk management.

Translations

Translations of the word "conservative" in other languages:

🇵🇹 conservador

🇮🇳 रूढ़िवादी

🇩🇪 konservativ

🇮🇩 konservatif

🇺🇦 консервативний

🇵🇱 konserwatywny

🇯🇵 保守的 (ほしゅてき)

🇫🇷 conservateur

🇪🇸 conservador

🇹🇷 muhafazakâr

🇰🇷 보수적인

🇸🇦 محافظ

🇨🇿 konzervativní

🇸🇰 konzervatívny

🇨🇳 保守的 (bǎoshǒu de)

🇸🇮 konservativen

🇮🇸 íhaldsmaður

🇰🇿 консервативті

🇬🇪 კონსერვატიული (konservatiuli)

🇦🇿 mühafizəkar

🇲🇽 conservador

Word origin

The word 'conservative' originated in the late 14th century from the Middle English term 'conservatif', which came from the Old French 'conservatif'. The word ultimately derives from the Latin word 'conservare', meaning 'to preserve'. The term was initially used in the political context to describe individuals who wished to preserve traditional institutions and resist radical change. Over time, 'conservative' has become a common term to describe those who hold traditional values and are cautious about embracing new ideas or reforms.