liberally

[lib-er-uh-lee, lib-ruh-lee]

adverb

1. in a way that is favorable to progress or reform, or that reflects the views of a political party advocating this.

   He voted a lot more liberally than he campaigned, which may have had something to do with his reelection loss.

2. in a way that is not bound by traditional or conventional ideas or values, especially prejudice or bigotry.

   Our goal is to be an intentionally open, intellectual, and liberally inclusive community.

3. in large amounts; generously; abundantly.

   Sprinkle liberally with paprika, sea salt, and chili oil.

4. in a way that is not strict, literal, or rigorous.

   This charter shall be liberally and broadly construed in favor of allowing the city to exercise its power.

   The story was liberally adapted from a popular Chinese folk tale.

5. in the liberal arts.

   What does it mean to be liberally educated in 21st-century America?

Other Word Forms

• antiliberally adverb
• half-liberally adverb
• nonliberally adverb
• overliberally adverb
• preliberally adverb
• pseudoliberally adverb
• quasi-liberally adverb
• semiliberally adverb
• unliberally adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of liberally¹

liberal ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

For the soundtrack, the 24-year-old looks back to the music of her youth for the soundtrack, liberally sampling hits by Underworld, Basement Jaxx and Just Jack – without surrendering her own bubbly brew of capsule pop.

From BBC

His death sparked an intense discussion online, where the term "gold digger" was liberally used, with some accusing his ex-girlfriend of exploiting him, leading him to take his life.

From BBC

Duckett liberally sprinkled runs to all angles, with his innings full of nifty reverse sweeps, deft cuts and clever scoops.

From BBC

The judges liberally doled out scores of 10 to the performers, who swanned deftly across the parquet flooring in colorful, “Alice in Wonderland”-inspired costumes.

From Los Angeles Times

Mikal: A queen — even though it’s used pretty liberally — means different things to different people.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abundantly 
• adequately 
• extensively 
• generously www.thesaurus.com
• lavishly 
• properly 
• richly