conservatism

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "conservatism" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a political or social philosophy that promotes traditional institutions and practices. Example: "The rise of conservatism in recent years has sparked debates about the future of social policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But Cash stands at the extreme end of conservatism and does not represent the majority.

The Guardian - Opinion

For all their air of tweedy conservatism, the quintessentially modern political phenomenon might be Ukip In our dealings with the wider world, Marquand puts a neglect of history and past experience at the heart of two ongoing calamities: an increasingly troubled relationship with the rest of Europe, and all those misadventures in the Middle East.

The Guardian - Opinion

To such catastrophic "modernity", the most likely political response is often conservatism – with a small "c", as distinct from the self-annulling Conservatism of today's radical modernisers.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality and a trans woman herself, said that she saw no essential contradiction between Jenner's transgender identity and his conservatism if by that he meant a belief in efficient and small government.

The Guardian

There was an ideological component to the partnership, given the increasing social conservatism of the Russian elite – homophobia, anti-immigration, opposition to the EU, anti-Americanism.

The Guardian

There were no women there – a sign of the area's conservatism.

The Guardian - Travel

Making the case for himself as a conservative in another Democrat-heavy state, Christie told the crowd: "If our conservatism is really going to succeed, it is going to have to defend itself in every part of our country".

The Guardian

In a 2007 lecture, he said the organisation attempted to undermine "the values of conservatism, with a small 'c', which, I would argue, just happen to be the values held by millions of Britons".

The Guardian - Opinion

The policies she has released so far appear to diverge from staunch conservatism – she supports Labor's National Broadband Network over the Coalition's, is comfortable with same-sex marriage, urges compassion for refugees and wants the creaking train service fixed.

The Guardian

And obsessive fiscal conservatism was left unchallenged, hardening into the self-defeating dogma that now threatens to sink the currency union.

The Guardian - Opinion

This structural dilemma should also give pause to those looking to Christian Democracy as a model to invent a softer, compassionate, post-Thatcherite conservatism on either side of the Atlantic.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "conservatism" to describe an approach, ideology or political leaning to uphold and protect long-standing customs.

Common error

Avoid generalizations by recognizing the diversity within conservatism. Social conservatism differs significantly from fiscal conservatism, and both can vary greatly across cultures and nations.

Linguistic Context

The term "conservatism" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a political and social philosophy. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness, and examples illustrate its use in describing ideologies, attitudes, and approaches.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Opinion

18%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "conservatism" is a widely used noun referring to a political and social philosophy that emphasizes tradition and measured change. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news, opinion, and formal business settings. To avoid ambiguity, it's crucial to specify the type of conservatism being discussed, be it social, fiscal, or political. While commonly associated with right-wing politics and aversion to change, remember that "conservatism" is a multifaceted concept with diverse interpretations. Be specific and avoid generalizations, it is paramount to use "conservatism" in accordance to its meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preservation of tradition

Underscores the act of maintaining cultural or social practices from the past.

traditionalism

Emphasizes adherence to long-standing customs and beliefs, differing from "conservatism" by focusing specifically on the preservation of heritage.

right-wing politics

Refers to the spectrum of political ideologies associated with conservatism, highlighting the political dimension.

established values

Refers to the core principles and beliefs upheld by a society, which conservatives often seek to protect.

conventionality

Focuses on adherence to established norms and practices, a key aspect of social conservatism.

fiscal responsibility

Emphasizes prudent management of resources and spending, frequently a component of economic conservatism.

status quo

Highlights the desire to maintain the existing state of affairs, a common goal of conservative movements.

moderate politics

Suggests a balanced approach to governance, often seen as a less extreme form of conservatism.

aversion to change

Focuses on the resistance to new ideas or methods, a characteristic often associated with conservative viewpoints.

cautious approach

Highlights a deliberate and careful method, often used in financial or policy contexts aligning with conservative principles.

FAQs

How is "conservatism" used in political discourse?

In political discourse, "conservatism" typically refers to a political philosophy that emphasizes tradition, individual responsibility, limited government, and free markets. It's often contrasted with "liberalism" and "progressivism".

What are some related ideologies to "conservatism"?

Related ideologies include "traditionalism", "classical liberalism" (in some contexts), and various forms of "nationalism", although these can have distinct differences.

How can I use "conservatism" in a sentence?

You can say "His political views lean towards conservatism", or "The party's platform is rooted in conservatism". You can also use it to describe a general approach, like "Her conservatism in financial matters ensured the company's stability".

What is the opposite of "conservatism" in a political context?

In a political context, the opposite of "conservatism" is often considered to be "progressivism" or "liberalism", which emphasize change, social justice, and government intervention to address inequalities.