Liberal – 1. Allowing many different types of beliefs or behaviour 2. To give generously 3. To have political freedom 4. Sharing wealth and power in society
Pronounced libb-er-al)
Note: The word liberal has quite a few definitions. The most confusing are the two political meanings which can be polar opposites. When someone uses liberal in a political sense, unless the definition is very clear in the context, the user might need to clarify which they mean, i.e. :
Liberal - political freedom.
Liberal - Sharing wealth and power in society.
To remember the various meanings, see in your mind's eye the Statue of Liberty having all (liberal) the hints of its meanings surrounding the statue:
1. Imagine lots of symbols of different religions and beliefs on one arm of the Statue of Liberty, to indicate " Allowing many different types of beliefs or behaviour".
2. Imagine the Statue of Liberty putting down her tablet and handing out money, which represents "To give generously".
3. Visualise the Statue of Liberty putting her tablet down and the tablet making a run for it shouting "I'm free!", representing " To have political freedom"
4. Imagine someone in the background wanting to share the Statue of Liberty's crown, which helps you remember that liberty also means " To share wealth and power in society ".
Examples of liberal in a sentence (Allowing many different types of beliefs or behaviour)
I hope I'm as liberal as your mother.
My school was more liberal than other schools.
They have liberal views on divorce.
Examples of liberal in a sentence (To give generously)
Could any person make a more liberal offer?
He was liberal with his gifts, but they failed to impress her.
She was very liberal with the wine.
Examples of liberal in a sentence (To have political freedom)
Liberal agitation was growing in strength.
He was one of the most liberal governors of the colony.
The Dutch people called for a more liberal institution.
Examples of liberal in a sentence (Sharing wealth and power in society)
The commission proposed a more liberal policy towards the poor.
It was a liberal constitution with benefits for everyone.
The executives opposed any kind of liberal reform that would mean sharing their wealth and power.
