illiberal

/i'libərəl/

Thân thiện

An illiberal attitude stifles open discussion in the classroom.

Definition

Adjective: 1. Narrow-minded, intolerant: Not open to new ideas or opinions; unwilling to accept beliefs or behaviors that are different from one's own. It implies a lack of generosity in thought or spirit. 2. Restrictive of freedom: Opposing or limiting individual rights, freedoms, or liberties, often in a political or social context.

Usage and Examples

• Describing a person or attitude:
  • His illiberal views on immigration made dialogue impossible.
  • The professor was criticized for being illiberal and dismissive of opposing theories.
• Describing policies or laws:
  • The new law was seen as an illiberal measure that curtailed free speech.
  • Many protested against the government's illiberal policies.

Advanced Usage

• "Illiberal democracy": A political system where elections take place, but citizens are cut off from knowledge about the activities of those who exercise real power, and civil liberties are restricted.
  • Some analysts describe the regime as an illiberal democracy.
• "Illiberal tendencies": A phrase used to describe actions or thoughts that show a trend toward intolerance or restriction.
  • The party's platform showed worrying illiberal tendencies.

Variants and Related Words

• Illiberality (noun): The quality or state of being illiberal.
  • The illiberality of the regime was evident in its censorship laws.
• Illiberally (adverb): In an illiberal manner.
  • The rules were applied illiberally, punishing even minor infractions.

Synonyms

• Intolerant
• Bigoted
• Authoritarian
• Dogmatic
• Narrow-minded

Antonyms

• Liberal
• Tolerant
• Open-minded
• Broad-minded
• Progressive

Related Phrases and Concepts

• "Illiberal reform": A change or set of changes that reduces freedoms rather than expands them.
  • The so-called security act was, in fact, an illiberal reform.
• "Illiberal sentiment": A general feeling or opinion characterized by intolerance.
  • Illiberal sentiment was on the rise during the economic crisis.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. narrow-minded about cherished opinions

Từ đồng nghĩa

• intolerant