conservatism
[ kuh n-sur-vuh-tiz-uh m ]
/ kənˈsɜr vəˌtɪz əm /
noun
the disposition to preserve or restore what is established and traditional and to limit change.
the principles and practices of political conservatives.
Origin of conservatism
First recorded in 1825–35;
conservat(ive) +
-ism
OTHER WORDS FROM conservatism
an·ti·con·serv·a·tism, noun hy·per·con·serv·a·tism, noun o·ver·con·serv·a·tism, nounWords nearby conservatism
Example sentences from the Web for conservatism
British Dictionary definitions for conservatism (1 of 2)
conservatism
/ (kənˈsɜːvəˌtɪzəm) /
noun
opposition to change and innovation
a political philosophy advocating the preservation of the best of the established order in society and opposing radical change
British Dictionary definitions for conservatism (2 of 2)
Conservatism
/ (kənˈsɜːvəˌtɪzəm) /
noun (in Britain, Canada, etc)
the form of conservatism advocated by the Conservative Party
the policies, doctrines, or practices of the Conservative Party
Cultural definitions for conservatism
conservatism
A general preference for the existing order of society, and an opposition to efforts to bring about sharp change. (Compare liberalism.)