liberally

American  

[lib-er-uh-lee, lib-ruh-lee] / ˈlɪb ər ə li, ˈlɪb rə li /

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

Etymology

Origin of liberally

liberal ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Spirits, even those who had been conservative in life, were often liberally minded after death.

From Literature

She drew liberally on her own experiences in the music industry to portray the fictional Charli's reactions.

From Barron's

And once again, Miami is spending liberally on its best players.

From The Wall Street Journal

Just a few years ago, private-equity firms were spending liberally to snap up companies.

From The Wall Street Journal

Leon Battista Alberti wrote a book on the institution of the family—rendered bittersweet by his own illegitimate identity; Mr. Luzzi quotes Alberti liberally.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• abundantly
• adequately
• extensively
• generously
• lavishly
• properly
• richly