Definition

Adverb: 1. In a cautious, moderate, or restrained manner: Avoiding excess, risk, or radical change; characterized by a preference for traditional or established approaches. 2. In a manner that aligns with conservative political or social views: Reflecting principles that favor preserving existing conditions, institutions, and traditions, and limiting change. 3. In a way that involves a low or cautious estimate: Providing a figure or assessment that is deliberately restrained and likely an underestimate to avoid exaggeration.

Usage Examples

• General cautious manner:
  • She dressed conservatively for the formal interview.
  • The company invests its funds conservatively to minimize risk.
• In alignment with conservative views:
  • The editorial was written conservatively, arguing against the proposed reforms.
• Regarding a cautious estimate:
  • The budget was calculated conservatively to ensure we would not overspend.
  • We estimated the number of demonstrators conservatively at 200,000.

Advanced Usage

• "To err on the side of conservatively": To choose a course of action that is deliberately cautious, especially when faced with uncertainty.
  • When in doubt about the structural load, engineers design conservatively.

Variants and Related Words

• Conservative (adjective): Favoring traditional views and values; cautious, moderate.
  • He has a conservative approach to management.
• Conservatism (noun): The commitment to traditional values and ideas with opposition to change or innovation.
  • His political philosophy is rooted in conservatism.

Synonyms

• Cautiously: In a careful way to avoid potential problems or risks.
• Moderately: To a certain extent; not excessively.
• Prudently: With care and thought for the future.
• Traditionally: According to long-established customs or beliefs.

Antonyms

• Liberally: In a generous, open-handed, or progressive manner.
• Radically: In a thorough or fundamental way; completely.
• Extravagantly: In a manner that is excessive or lacks restraint.
• Progressively: In a forward-thinking or innovative manner, favoring new ideas.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• To play it safe: To avoid risks by choosing the most cautious option. (This phrase conveys a similar idea to acting conservatively in decision-making.)
  • The coach played it safe by running the ball instead of attempting a risky pass.

Adverb

1. in a conservative manner
   • we estimated the number of demonstrators conservatively at 200,000.