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liberalism definition

lib·er·al·ism (-iz′əm)

noun

the quality or state of being liberal; specif.,
  1. a political philosophy advocating personal freedom for the individual, democratic forms of government, gradual reform in political and social institutions, etc.
  2. a movement in Protestantism advocating a broad interpretation of the Bible, freedom from rigid doctrine and authoritarianism, etc.

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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