liberalize

/ˈlɪbrəlaɪz/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈlɪbrəlaɪz/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈli-b(ə-)rə-ˌlīz/ (ame, mw)

liberalize — verb

  • liberalizepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • liberalizeshe / she / it
  • liberalizedpast simple
  • liberalizing-ing form

1. to change a law, policy, market, or social rule so people have more freedom and

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

to change a law, policy, market, or social rule so people have more freedom and face fewer limits

例句

The new mayor liberalized street-vendor rules in the historic market.

liberalize + rules

After months of protest, parliament liberalized visa rules for foreign students.

government subject + liberalize + policy

同義詞
  • relax

    Commoner and broader; often used for rules becoming less strict

  • loosen

    More informal; often used for reducing control or pressure

  • deregulate

    More specific to removing official controls, especially in business or government

反義詞
  • tighten

    To make rules or control stronger

  • restrict

    To add limits rather than remove them

文法句型

liberalize + law/rule/system

liberalize + noun phrase

用法筆記

Object is usually a law, rule, market, or policy. Distinguish from BECOME OPENER (sense 2): this sense changes an external system, not a person's own views.

常見錯誤

❌The city liberalized about street parking.
✅The city liberalized the street-parking rules.
💡this sense needs a rule, law, or system as the direct object.

2. to grow more willing to accept personal freedom, social change, or new ideas tha

2.動詞不及物C1
釋義

to grow more willing to accept personal freedom, social change, or new ideas than before

例句

After college, Eric liberalized on issues like divorce and abortion.

liberalize on + issue

The party liberalized after younger members won seats on its committee.

institution as subject of changing views

同義詞
  • open up

    More informal and often used for becoming more receptive to new ideas

  • moderate

    Often used for political views becoming less extreme rather than simply more liberal

  • soften

    Suggests attitudes becoming less harsh, not necessarily more politically liberal

反義詞
  • harden

    To become stricter or less willing to accept change

  • grow conservative

    To move toward more traditional or restrictive views

文法句型

liberalize on an issue

liberalize about a topic

用法筆記

Subject is usually a person, political group, church, or public opinion. Unlike LOOSEN RULES (sense 1), this sense does not take a direct object after liberalize.

常見錯誤

❌Her parents liberalized the curfew after the wedding.
✅Her parents liberalized after the wedding.' / 'Her parents liberalized the curfew rules after the wedding.
💡this sense has no direct object; adding one shifts the meaning to sense 1.