Libertarian
ˌlɪbərˈtɛəriən
Definitions
2 meaningsA person who believes in the doctrine of libertarianism; a supporter of a political philosophy that upholds liberty as a core principle.
ˌlɪbərˈtɛəriən
A person who advocates libertarianism.
The libertarian's campaign focused on reducing taxes and government spending.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone who *really* values their freedom and thinks the government shouldn't tell them what to do! That's a libertarian. They like personal freedom and less rules.
👶 For kids: A libertarian is someone who thinks people should be free to do what they want and the government shouldn't boss them around.
More Examples
She identified as a libertarian, believing in individual rights and limited government.
He voted for the libertarian candidate because he supported their ideas about personal freedom.
How It's Used
"Many libertarians advocate for minimal government intervention in both economic and social spheres."
Relating to or based on the principles of libertarianism, emphasizing individual rights and freedom.
ˌlɪbərˈtɛəriən
Relating to or denoting libertarianism.
The candidate presented a libertarian platform.
💡 Simply: If something's 'libertarian,' it means it's about freedom and letting people make their own choices. Like a libertarian view of laws would be fewer and less controlling.
👶 For kids: When something is libertarian, it means it's all about people being free to do what they want!
More Examples
The debate focused on the libertarian perspective on economic policy.
The libertarian values of self-reliance and individual responsibility were central to his argument.
How It's Used
"The libertarian philosophy emphasizes individual rights."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
From French *libertaire*, from *liberté* ('liberty'). The term gained wider usage in the mid-20th century, particularly in the United States, associated with various political philosophies emphasizing individual liberty.
The term gained traction in the 20th century, particularly with the rise of the New Right in the United States, though its roots are older and connected to classical liberalism.
Memory tip
Think 'liberty' and 'arian'. Libertarian = Liberty-arian.
Word Origin
"liberty, freedom"