adjective / noun

conservative

kun-SUR-vuh-tiv/kənˈsɜːrvətɪv/

Favoring traditional political values and limited change.

The conservative candidate promises to preserve existing institutions.

A middle-aged Black homeowner compares a radical glass addition with a modest traditional repair and chooses the cautious repair, no politics.

Etymology

conLatinperhaps adds emphasis

+servLatinto keep watch, maintain

+ativeLatintending to

Servare supplies the idea of preserving, with con- perhaps adding emphasis. Conservative shifted from “tending to keep whole or safe” to preserving established customs and institutions rather than welcoming change.

In context

SOAS University of London17:41

should we take these uh conservative views of women at face value for all her emphasis on young marriage traditional dress and the home

Women, Writing and the Iraqi Ba'thist State: Contending Discourses of Resistance and Collaboration

More examples

Some conservatives opposed the proposed constitutional change.
Her conservative views differ from her brother's progressive ones.
The party's conservative wing favors gradual reform.

Forms

conservative · conservatives

conservatism noun — support for traditional institutions or limited change

Similar words

traditionalist: More broadly emphasizes attachment to established customs.
cautious: Describes avoiding risk without identifying a political position.