adjective
liberal
Concerned with general learning rather than training for a particular job.
She values a liberal education in history, science, and the arts.
Etymology
Latin liberalis meant suitable for a free person. Liberal learning was conceived as broad cultivation rather than training confined to a particular trade or occupation.
More examples
- The college offers a broad liberal arts curriculum.
- He favored liberal studies over narrow vocational training.
- The program combines professional preparation with liberal learning.
Forms
liberal
Similar words
- general
- Broader and less specific than the educational tradition of liberal learning.