Antonyms for conservative


Grammar : Adj, noun
Spell : kuh n-sur-vuh-tiv
Phonetic Transcription : kənˈsɜr və tɪv


Definition of conservative

Origin :
  • late 14c., conservatyf, from Middle French conservatif, from Late Latin conservativus, from Latin conservatus, past participle of conservare (see conserve).
  • As a modern political tradition, conservatism traces to Edmund Burke's opposition to the French Revolution (1790), but the word conservative is not found in his writing. It was coined by his French disciples, (e.g. Chateaubriand, who titled his journal defending clerical and political restoration "Le Conservateur").
  • Conservative as the name of a British political faction first appeared in an 1830 issue of the "Quarterly Review," in an unsigned article sometimes attributed to John Wilson Croker. It replaced Tory (q.v.) by 1843, reflecting both a change from the pejorative name (in use for 150 years) and repudiation of some reactionary policies. Extended to similar spirits in other parties from 1845.
  • Strictly speaking, conservatism is not a political system, but rather a way of looking at the civil order. The conservative of Peru ... will differ greatly from those of Australia, for though they may share a preference for things established, the institutions and customs which they desire to preserve are not identical. [Russell Kirk (1918-1994)]
  • Phrases such as a conservative estimate make no sense etymologically. The noun is attested from 1831, originally in the British political sense.
  • adj cautious, moderate, tending to preserve the status quo
  • noun person who is cautious, moderate; an opponent of change
Example sentences :
  • But among the veteran speculators the feeling was conservative.
  • Extract from : « The Spenders » by Harry Leon Wilson
  • It is a negative power, and is conservative in its character.
  • Extract from : « United States Presidents' Inaugural Speeches » by Various
  • He was strongly opposed by the Conservative Marquis of Chandos.
  • Extract from : « The Grand Old Man » by Richard B. Cook
  • I tried to be conservative in my description, because I did not wish to be accused of exaggeration.
  • Extract from : « The Forest » by Stewart Edward White
  • She is the living, distilled essence of Conservative mothers.
  • Extract from : « The Coryston Family » by Mrs. Humphry Ward
  • The Egyptians were an agricultural and a conservative people.
  • Extract from : « The Truth About Woman » by C. Gasquoine Hartley
  • Conservative critics have talked of Godwin's "coldness" because he could reason.
  • Extract from : « Shelley, Godwin and Their Circle » by H. N. Brailsford
  • What might not be expected from this most conservative of pioneers?
  • Extract from : « Brighter Britain! (Volume 1 of 2) » by William Delisle Hay
  • It is far better to be too liberal in ditch allowance than to be too conservative.
  • Extract from : « American Rural Highways » by T. R. Agg
  • There was no Conservative party, nor a Liberal party for that matter.
  • Extract from : « Blood and Iron » by John Hubert Greusel

Synonyms for conservative

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019