liberal
adjective
uk/ˈlɪbərəl/ usrespecting and allowing many different types of beliefs or behaviour:
a liberal society/attitude/view Changing attitudes to sexuality are a reflection of a more liberal society.
a liberal policy/stance The government defends its liberal policy on soft drugs.
POLITICS
used to describe political beliefs and groups that support more personal freedom and a fairer sharing of wealth and power in society:
The federal government is bound to be a coalition involving the liberal party.
ECONOMICS, POLITICS
used to describe an economic system that allows industry to be free to develop without the involvement of government:
The successes of liberal economic policies in the US and Britain act as powerful examples.
giving or given in a generous way:
Terms were liberal, with small down payments and government financing.
not exact, and without attention to or interest in detail:
They now take a more liberal interpretation of their powers.
liberal
noun [ C ]
uk/ˈlɪbərəl/ ussomeone who respects many different types of beliefs or behaviour:
Liberals believe that in order to defend our own freedom we ought to defend those of our fellow citizens.
someone who supports personal freedom and a fairer sharing of wealth and power in society:
He described his opponent as a liberal who would tax the rich.