Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Favoring traditional views and values; resistant to change: Describes a person, group, or idea that prefers to maintain established social, political, or cultural institutions and is cautious about innovation or rapid change.
   • Moderate, cautious, or within reasonable limits: Used to describe an estimate, approach, or style that is deliberately not extreme, excessive, or risky.
   • Conventional in style or manner: Referring to a way of dressing, behaving, or appearing that is typical, traditional, and not flamboyant.

2. Noun:

   • A person with conservative political or social views: An individual who generally supports free enterprise, private ownership, and traditional social institutions, and is skeptical of abrupt change.
   • A member or supporter of a Conservative political party: Specifically, a member of a political party, such as the Conservative Party in the UK or Canada, that promotes conservative policies.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:

  • His conservative views on education opposed the proposed reforms.
  • The architect made a conservative estimate for the renovation costs.
  • She dresses in a very conservative style for her corporate job.

• Noun:

  • The conservative argued for lower taxes and a stronger military.
  • She has been a lifelong Conservative and votes for the party in every election.

Advanced Usage

• "Conservative with a capital C": Specifically refers to a member or supporter of a formal Conservative political party, distinguishing it from general ideological conservatism.

  • He is not just a small-c conservative; he is a card-carrying Conservative.

• "Play it conservative": To choose a cautious, low-risk option or strategy.

  • With the market so volatile, many investors are choosing to play it conservative.

Variants and Related Words

• Conservatism (n): The political philosophy or general attitude that emphasizes tradition, limited government, and cautious change.

  • His conservatism is rooted in a deep respect for historical institutions.

• Conservatively (adv): In a conservative manner.

  • The room was decorated conservatively, with neutral colors and classic furniture.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Traditional, conventional, cautious, moderate, right-wing, orthodox.
• Noun: Traditionalist, right-winger, Tory (specific to UK/Canada), reactionary (more extreme).

Antonyms

• Adjective/ Noun: Liberal, progressive, radical, reformist, innovative.

Related Phrases

• Conservative estimate: A calculation or guess that is deliberately cautious and likely lower than the actual maximum possible value.

  • At a conservative estimate, the project will take six months to complete.

• Socially conservative: Holding traditional views on social issues and moral values.

  • The politician is fiscally liberal but socially conservative.

Adjective

1. conforming to the standards and conventions of the middle class
   • a bourgeois mentality
2. unimaginatively conventional
   • a colorful character in the buttoned-down, dull-grey world of business- Newsweek
3. avoiding excess
   • a conservative estimate
4. having social or political views favoring conservatism
5. resistant to change

Noun

1. a member of a Conservative Party
2. a person who is reluctant to accept changes and new ideas