noun

liberalism

LIH-bruh-lihz-uhm

noun

A political philosophy centred on individual freedom, equal rights, and government by consent, often paired with support for reform.

"Liberalism as a political movement grew out of the Enlightenment's focus on individual rights."

An economic outlook favouring free markets and minimal government interference in trade.

"Economic liberalism pushed the government to lower trade tariffs."

How to Use Liberalism

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA belief system built around personal freedom, equal rights, and (often) government reform.

Common pairings

classical liberalism economic liberalism the rise of liberalism

liberalisms plural

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_____ as a political movement grew out of the Enlightenment's focus on individual rights.

From French libéralisme (around 1818), built from liberal plus the suffix -ism.

realism idealism socialism vandalism capitalism surrealism journalism materialism cannibalism nationalism imperialism colonialism