The World of Words: Vocabulary for College Success ... - eLibrary

Words to Learn 53Political Left and RightThe next four words—radical, liberal, conservative, and reactionary—refer topolitical opinions that range from left to right.Radical and liberal politicians are called left-wing because they sat on theleft side (or wing) of the French National Assembly of 1789. Radical politicianswant swift reforms that will benefit poor people, minorities, and otherswithout political power. Liberal politicians favor the extension of rights andprivileges through gradual reform. Between liberals and conservatives, in themiddle, are moderate politicians.Conservatives and reactionaries are called right-wing because they sat on theright side of the French National Assembly. Conservative politicians favor traditionand oppose change. They protect business interests, religion, and traditionalfamily values. Reactionary politicians oppose change so strongly thatthey often want to return to what was done in the past. Radical, liberal, andconservative also have nonpolitical meanings.21. radical (adjective, noun) rădĭ-kßla. favoring great change; extreme (adjective)The radical activist chained himself to a tree until the citypromised that the forest would not be cut down.In a radical change, the room’s furniture went from oldfashionedto modern.Leshan’s new business suit was a radical departure fromthe nose ring and T-shirt he usually wore.b. a person favoring great change (noun)Radicals seized control of the government and distributedall the farmland to poor workers.Copyright © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.NOTE: The definition of radical depends on the political situation. Insome countries, radical means favoring a return to strict religiousobedience. In others, it means favoring an equal distribution ofwealth. In all countries, however, radicals favor great change.22. liberal (adjective, noun) lĭbßr-ßl; lĭbrßla. favoring gradual progress and reform (adjective)Many liberal politicians in the United States favor providinggovernment health insurance for everyone.b. favoring liberty; tolerant (adjective)The company’s liberal dress code allows us to wear jeans.