conservative

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   Not liking change; preferring traditional ways of doing things.

   My grandparents have quite conservative views about family life.

2. 2
   adj

   Deliberately low or cautious so as not to exaggerate.

   At a conservative estimate, the repairs will cost a thousand dollars.

3. 3
   noun

   A person who supports traditional values and opposes major change.

   Conservatives tend to favour keeping established institutions.

4. 4
   adj

   Relating to a Conservative political party.

   The conservative government cut taxes during its first year.

Borrowed from Middle French conservatif, from Latin cōnservō (“to preserve”). Equivalent to conserve + -ative.

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