noun · academic
liberalism
UK/ˈlɪb(ə)rəlɪzəm/US/ˈlɪbərəˌlɪzəm/LIB·er·al·ism
A political belief in individual freedoms, democracy, and civil liberties.
Examples
“Liberalism influenced many post-war constitutions that protect freedom of speech.”
“Universities often promote liberalism as part of critical thinking education.”
“Supporters of liberalism tend to argue for pluralism and tolerance in society.”
Band 8 sentence
“While liberalism champions individual rights and tolerance, it also accepts some state intervention to ensure social justice.”
Collocations
- commitment to liberalism
- classical liberalism
- liberal policies
Word family
Common mistakes
a liberalism→liberalism
liberalism policies→liberal policies
Say it for a higher band
5freedom→6liberal ideas→7+liberalism
Synonyms
progressivism
Easily confused
libertarianism
“Many voters were drawn to libertarianism because of its emphasis on minimal government.”
Related words
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In -ism
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