Definition

1. Noun:
   • A political or philosophical orientation: Conservatism advocates for preserving established traditions, institutions, and social norms, and is generally skeptical of rapid, radical change.
   • A disposition in politics or religion: It emphasizes continuity, stability, and gradual evolution, often valuing historical experience over abstract theory.

Usage

• As a general political philosophy:
  • His conservatism led him to oppose the sweeping reforms.
  • The party's platform is rooted in fiscal conservatism.
• As a personal or social attitude:
  • Her conservatism extends to her views on cultural matters.

Examples

• In politics:
  • Modern conservatism often emphasizes free-market principles.
  • The senator's conservatism was evident in his voting record.
• In social context:
  • The community's conservatism made it resistant to new social trends.

Advanced Usage

• "Burkean conservatism": A specific tradition of conservatism, named after philosopher Edmund Burke, which emphasizes pragmatism, tradition, and organic societal change.
  • His arguments were grounded in Burkean conservatism.
• "Paternalistic conservatism": A strand that combines conservative values with a sense of obligation to provide social welfare.
  • The policy reflected a form of paternalistic conservatism.

Variants and Related Words

• Conservative (adj/n): Favoring traditional views and values; cautious about change. A person who holds such views.
  • He has a conservative approach to investment.
  • The conservatives won the election.
• Conservatively (adv): In a cautious, traditional manner.
  • She dresses conservatively for work.

Synonyms

• Traditionalism: Adherence to tradition, especially in cultural or religious practice.
• Orthodoxy: Authorized or generally accepted theory, doctrine, or practice.
• Rightism: The political views or policies of the right wing.

Antonyms

• Progressivism: Support for or advocacy of social reform.
• Radicalism: The beliefs or actions of people who advocate thorough or complete political or social reform.
• Liberalism: A political philosophy based on liberty and equality, often open to new ideas.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "A bastion of conservatism": A place or institution strongly upholding traditional values.
  • The small town was considered a bastion of conservatism.
• "Conservatism with a small 'c'": Referring to a general cautious temperament rather than a formal political ideology.
  • His approach was one of conservatism with a small 'c', favoring incremental steps.

Noun

1. a political or theological orientation advocating the preservation of the best in society and opposing radical changes