Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A major political party, especially in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, that generally supports free-market capitalism, private enterprise, traditional social institutions, and a gradual approach to political change rather than radical reform.

Usage

• Proper noun:
  • The Conservative Party won a majority in the recent general election.
  • She has been a member of the Conservative Party for over twenty years.
  • The policies of the Conservative Party often emphasize fiscal responsibility.

Advanced Usage

• "The Tories": A common historical and informal name for the UK's Conservative Party.
  • The Tories have been in power for the last decade.
• Used attributively (as an adjective) to describe policies, members, or ideas associated with the party.
  • He is a Conservative Party candidate.
  • That is a core Conservative Party principle.

Variants and Related Words

• Conservative (noun): A member or supporter of the Conservative Party.
  • The Conservatives voted against the bill.
• Conservative (adjective): Relating to the Conservative Party or its policies.
  • The Conservative government introduced new legislation.
• Tory (noun, informal): Synonym for a member of the UK Conservative Party.
• Toryism (noun): The policies or principles of the Conservative Party.

Synonyms

• The Tories (UK-specific, informal)
• The Right (in a general political spectrum context)

Notes on Different Meanings

• The term "conservative party" (with a lowercase 'c') can generically refer to any political party that adheres to conservative principles anywhere in the world.
• The term "Conservative Party" (with an uppercase 'C') almost always refers specifically to the major established parties in countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. The platform and policies can vary between these national parties.

Noun

1. a political party (especially in Great Britain or Australia) that believes in the importance of a capitalist economy with private ownership rather than state control