conservatism

[kuhn-sur-vuh-tiz-uhm]

noun

1. the disposition to preserve or restore what is established and traditional and to limit change.

2. the principles and practices of political conservatives.

conservatism

¹

/ kənˈsɜːvəˌtɪzəm /

noun

1. opposition to change and innovation

2. a political philosophy advocating the preservation of the best of the established order in society and opposing radical change

Conservatism

²

/ kənˈsɜːvəˌtɪzəm /

noun

1. the form of conservatism advocated by the Conservative Party

2. the policies, doctrines, or practices of the Conservative Party

conservatism

1. A general preference for the existing order of society, and an opposition to efforts to bring about sharp change. (Compare liberalism.)

Other Word Forms

• anticonservatism noun
• hyperconservatism noun
• overconservatism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of conservatism¹

First recorded in 1825–35; conservat(ive) + -ism

Example Sentences

With its focus on what he labeled a “dictatorship” of wealth inequality, the document was seen by some on the right as confirmation of Leo’s condemnation of American conservatism.

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TOKYO—Sanae Takaichi’s victory in a leadership election in Japan represents another notable win for a resurgent global conservatism that is drawing strength from voter anger over issues such as immigration and stubborn inflation.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Decades of research has shown that racial animus and racism are tied to support of the GOP, conservatism and, now, Trumpism.

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Both men, today and in 1993, are attempting to portray a pride in what they see as an understated patriotism and respect for traditions, a small c conservatism.

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In recent years, American centrism and political conservatism have dug their claws back into the media.

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Related Words

• moderation 
• orthodoxy