Words / B2

k-uh-n-SURV-uh-tiv/kənˈsɜːvətɪv/

Conservative means not liking sudden change, traditional, or careful with money or estimates: a conservative approach, a conservative estimate (cautious, probably low). Traditional is everyday for taste and custom; cautious is close for estimates. Conservative with a capital C can mean the British political party. Conservatism is the noun. In speech, cautious / traditional is enough. Do not use conservative as a lazy insult for anyone who disagrees with you.

Meaning

Not liking change; traditional, or careful with money or estimates.

Examples

• “The school took a conservative approach to the new method.”
• “The school took a conservative approach: trial one class before a whole-year change.”
• “A conservative estimate of the cost still shocked the governors.”

Good to know

Traditional, or cautious (especially estimates). Everyday: traditional / cautious. Capital C: British party. Noun: conservatism. Not an all-purpose insult.

Near in meaning

cautious

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