conservatism
/kənˈsɜːvətɪzəm/ (bre, ipa) · [kənsˈɚvətˌɪzəm] /kənˈsɜːrvətɪzəm/ (ame, ipa) · [kənsˈɚvətˌɪzəm] /kən-ˈsər-və-ˌti-zəm How to pronounce conservatism (audio)/ (ame, mw)
conservatism — noun
1. a preference for familiar ways and a reluctance to accept major or rapid change
a preference for familiar ways and a reluctance to accept major or rapid change
Andrew questioned the school's conservatism when it banned tablets in class.
institutional conservatism blocking classroom change
Tanvi admired her grandmother's conservatism about borrowing money for holidays.
pattern: conservatism about borrowing money
The museum's conservatism kept newer local artists out of the annual show.
Haruto said the firm's conservatism slowed every plan for online sales.
- traditionalism
Usually focuses on keeping older customs or beliefs.
- caution
Broader and weaker; it can be practical rather than ideological.
- openness
Suggests readiness to try new ideas or new ways.
- radicalism
Supports much stronger or faster change.
文法句型
conservatism about + noun/-ing
institutional conservatism
用法筆記
Often used for habits, institutions, or decisions outside party politics. Distinguish from sense 2 when the word names a political philosophy instead of a general cautious attitude.
2. a political belief that supports tradition, established institutions, and gradua
a political belief that supports tradition, established institutions, and gradual reform instead of fast social change
Cyrus wrote that conservatism favors gradual reform over sweeping state action.
contrast: gradual reform over sweeping change
Amani studied conservatism and socialism before the campus debate.
collocation: conservatism and socialism
Felipe says conservatism often appeals to voters who distrust fast reform.
The lecture linked conservatism with religion, family duty, and stable institutions.
- traditionalism
Broader than politics and often used for culture or religion too.
- right-wing politics
A wider political camp; not every right-wing position is conservative.
- progressivism
Supports more active social or political reform.
- radicalism
Usually points to deeper or faster structural change.
文法句型
conservatism favors + noun
study conservatism
用法筆記
Used for a broad political philosophy rather than one party's platform. Distinguish from sense 3 when the context is specifically the UK Conservative Party.
3. the set of views and policies linked with Britain's Conservative Party
the set of views and policies linked with Britain's Conservative Party
Paul wondered whether modern conservatism still matched old Tory campaign promises.
British party context: Tory campaign promises
Dewi traced postwar conservatism through speeches by three Tory prime ministers.
British party context: Tory prime ministers
The article said one-nation conservatism lost ground after the leadership contest.
Nellie asked if that budget showed Thatcherite conservatism or something softer.
- Tory politics
Informal label tied specifically to the UK Conservative Party.
- Labour politics
A contrasting UK party tradition rather than a general ideology label.
文法句型
modern conservatism
postwar conservatism
用法筆記
Used for the ideas or policy line of Britain's Conservative Party. Context often mentions Tory leaders, Westminster, or named strands such as one-nation conservatism.