What does "conservatism" mean?
A political philosophy that advocates traditional values.
Conservatism
/kənˈsɜːvətɪzəm/ noun
noun ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A political philosophy that advocates traditional values.
- Grammar: conservatism is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: conservativism, abnegation, abstinence, archaicism.
- Useful contrasts: criminal-code reform, educational reforms, french revolution ideas.
- Usage evidence: In the battle of ideas, science defeated conservatism.
How to use "conservatism"
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Meaning check
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Source and review context
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Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
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Definitions
Noun
- 1 A political philosophy that advocates traditional values. countable, uncountable
"Oddly, with the liberals and radicals in power in NSW, the conservatives realized that a nominated upper house was no longer a bastion of conservatism and some began to call for an elected legislative council."
- 2 a political or theological orientation advocating the preservation of the best in society and opposing radical changes wordnet
- 3 A risk-averse attitude or approach. countable, uncountable
Antonyms
criminal-code reformeducational reformsfrench revolution ideaslocal government reform
Example
"In the battle of ideas, science defeated conservatism."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "conservatism"?
Common synonyms include: conservativism, abnegation, abstinence, archaicism, backwardness, calm.
How do you use "conservatism" in a sentence?
In the battle of ideas, science defeated conservatism.
How do you pronounce "conservatism"?
Pronounced /kənˈsɜːvətɪzəm/.
Etymology
Either irregularly from conservative + -ism or from conservate + -ism; ultimately from Latin cōnservāre (“to conserve; to keep, guard, observe”).