What is the origin of the word liberal?

Answer 1

The term liberal is applied as both a noun and an adjective. As a noun, it means something that is liberal. Used as a noun, Liberal is capitalized if referring to a liberal person in a political party, and uncapitalized when describing someone's nature. For instance:

"He's running as a Liberal next week."

"She is a liberal with all of her ideas."

As an adjective, liberal refers to something or someone that is not limited to standard attitudes, views or dogmas - something that is open to and/or tolerant of new ideas. It also refers to be freely giving or generous in nature or amount, or not strict. For example:

"Apply a liberal amount."

"He's fairly liberal when it comes to his money."

No one asking this question would be looking for this answer. Liberalism is the noun form when not referring to a person, which is what was most likely being asked here. Why you decided to fill the answer with everything BUT the word liberalism is beyond me.

Answer 2

Liberal is a Latin word that means "pertaining to a free person." The antonym of liberal is servile, "pertaining to a slave."