Liberalism: meaning, definitions and examples

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liberalism

[ˈlɪb(ə)rəˌlɪz(ə)m ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

political philosophy

Liberalism is a political and moral philosophy based on liberty, consent of the governed, and equality before the law. It emphasizes individual rights, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of religion, free markets, civil rights, democratic societies, and the rule of law.

Synonyms

democracy, individualism, progressivism.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
liberalism	Liberalism refers to a political and economic philosophy that emphasizes individual freedoms, representative democracy, and the protection of civil liberties. It is often discussed in the context of political theory and governance. The country's political system is rooted in the principles of liberalism The candidate's platform is based on liberalism and advocates for greater personal freedoms
progressivism	Progressivism is a political philosophy that supports social reform, advocating for change that improves the human condition by addressing issues such as inequality, education, and healthcare. It is often discussed in the context of social policies and political movements. The progressive movement seeks to address income disparity and provide universal healthcare Her progressive ideals have led her to champion environmental protection laws
individualism	Individualism emphasizes the moral worth of the individual and the importance of individual rights and independence. It is often used in the context of social philosophy and personal conduct, highlighting the value of personal autonomy. In a society that highly values individualism, people often prioritize personal goals over collective ones He is known for his strong sense of individualism, always marching to the beat of his own drum
democracy	Democracy refers to a system of government where power is vested in the people, who rule either directly or through freely elected representatives. It is often used when discussing political systems, governance, and the rights of citizens. Many people around the world strive to live in a democracy where they can have a say in their government The fall of the dictatorship led to the establishment of a new democracy in the region

Examples of usage

Many Western democracies are founded on the principles of liberalism.
Liberalism promotes the idea of limited government intervention in the economy.
Freedom of speech is a key tenet of liberalism.
Liberalism advocates for equal opportunities for all individuals.
The liberal tradition has roots in the Enlightenment period.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term 'liberalism' emerged in the early 19th century, rooted in Enlightenment ideas that emphasized reason, individualism, and liberty.
The French Revolution (1789) was pivotal in spreading liberal ideas, promoting democracy against monarchy and feudalism.
In the 20th century, liberalism evolved, addressing issues like social justice and economic equality, particularly during the Progressive Era.

Political Science

Liberalism supports democracy, advocating for representative government and adherence to the rule of law.
It emphasizes civil liberties, including freedom of speech, religion, and the press, as essential for personal autonomy.
Different strands exist in liberalism, such as classical liberalism, which focuses on limited government, and social liberalism, which promotes social welfare.

Cultural Impact

Throughout history, liberalism has influenced social movements, including civil rights struggles advocating for racial, gender, and LGBTQ+ equality.
Many well-known literary figures, such as John Stuart Mill, championed liberal ideas, significantly impacting philosophy and social theory.
Modern digital communication and the internet have amplified liberal ideas, allowing for broader discourse and advocacy on social issues.

Economics

Liberalism is often associated with free-market economics, supporting the idea that individual entrepreneurship drives prosperity and innovation.
Key thinkers like Adam Smith promoted the notion of the 'invisible hand,' suggesting that individual pursuits ultimately benefit society as a whole.
Some critics argue that unregulated markets can lead to inequality, prompting calls for more balanced approaches in economic policy.

Psychology

Research in psychology links liberal attitudes to openness to experience, suggesting that those who identify with liberalism may embrace new ideas and diversity.
Studies indicate that liberal individuals are often more empathetic towards others and supportive of social change.
The relationship between political ideology and personality traits continues to be an area of interest in understanding societal trends and behaviors.

Translations

Translations of the word "liberalism" in other languages:

🇵🇹 liberalismo

🇮🇳 उदारवाद (Udarvad)

🇩🇪 Liberalismus

🇮🇩 liberalisme

🇺🇦 лібералізм

🇵🇱 liberalizm

🇯🇵 リベラリズム (Riberarizumu)

🇫🇷 libéralisme

🇪🇸 liberalismo

🇹🇷 liberalizm

🇰🇷 자유주의 (Jayujuui)

🇸🇦 الليبرالية (Al-libraliyya)

🇨🇿 liberalismus

🇸🇰 liberalizmus

🇨🇳 自由主义 (Zìyóu zhǔyì)

🇸🇮 liberalizem

🇮🇸 frjálshyggja

🇰🇿 либерализм

🇬🇪 ლიბერალიზმი (liberalizmi)

🇦🇿 liberalizm

🇲🇽 liberalismo

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,737, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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10734 intoxication
10735 conserve
10736 grove
10737 liberalism
10738 favoring
10739 morbid
10740 encoding
...