Dictionary
1conservative
adjective con·ser·va·tive \kən-ˈsər-və-tiv\
: believing in the value of established and traditional practices in politics and society : relating to or supporting political conservatism
Conservative : of or relating to the conservative party in countries like the United Kingdom and Canada
: not liking or accepting changes or new ideas
Full Definition of CONSERVATIVE
1
2
a : of or relating to a philosophy of conservatism b capitalized : of or constituting a political party professing the principles of conservatism: as (1) : of or constituting a party of the United Kingdom advocating support of established institutions (2) : progressive conservative
3
a : tending or disposed to maintain existing views, conditions, or institutions : traditional b : marked by moderation or caution <a conservative estimate> c : marked by or relating to traditional norms of taste, elegance, style, or manners
4
: of, relating to, or practicing Conservative Judaism
— con·ser·va·tive·ly adverb
— con·ser·va·tive·ness noun
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First Known Use of CONSERVATIVE
14th century
Related to CONSERVATIVE
Other Government and Politics Terms
Rhymes with CONSERVATIVE
2conservative
noun
: a person who believes in the value of established and traditional practices in politics and society : a person who is politically conservative
Conservative : a member or supporter of a conservative political party in countries like the United Kingdom and Canada
Full Definition of CONSERVATIVE
1
a : an adherent or advocate of political conservatism b capitalized : a member or supporter of a conservative political party
2
a : one who adheres to traditional methods or views b : a cautious or discreet person
See conservative defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CONSERVATIVE
1831
Related to CONSERVATIVE
- Synonyms
- archconservative, paleoconservative, reactionary, rightist, right-winger, Tory, traditionalist
- Antonyms
- leftist, left-winger, lefty, liberal, progressive
Other Government and Politics Terms
Rhymes with CONSERVATIVE
CONSERVATIVENESS Defined for Kids
1conservative
adjective con·ser·va·tive \kən-ˈsər-və-tiv\
Definition of CONSERVATIVE for Kids
1
: favoring a policy of keeping things as they are : opposed to change
2
: favoring established styles and standards <He wears conservative ties.>
3
: likely to be lower than what the real amount or number is <a conservative estimate>
— con·ser·va·tive·ly adverb
2conservative
noun
Definition of CONSERVATIVE for Kids
: a person who is opposed to change : a cautious person
Medical Dictionary
conservative
adjective con·ser·va·tive \kən-ˈsər-vət-iv\
Medical Definition of CONSERVATIVE
: not extreme or drastic; especially : designed to preserve parts or restore or preserve function <conservative treatment of prostate cancer by watchful waiting or hormonal therapy in contrast to radical prostatectomy>—compare aggressive 3, radical
—con·ser·va·tive·ly adverb
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