Reading Theme:
Conservative: Definition, Meanings, and Usage Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：resistant to change (conservative)
conservative
/kənˈsɜːrvətɪv/
adj.
Not wanting to try new things or make changes, preferring the way things have always been.
resistant to change
➕
/rɪˈzɪstənt tuː tʃeɪndʒ/
adj.
Describes a person or thing that prefers the existing order and is cautious about new ideas or alterations.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'conservāre' (to preserve) + '-ive' (adjective suffix).
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'conserve' (to save) – a conservative saves old ways and resists new ones.
📖 Example
My grandfather has a conservative style; he still wears suits from the 1980s and refuses to use a smartphone.
My grandfather has a conservative style; he still wears suits from the 1980s and refuses to use a smartphone.
🔗 Collocations
conservative views – traditional or cautious opinions
conservative outfit – modest and traditional clothing
conservative upbringing – child-rearing focused on established values
🔄 Synonyms
traditional (adj.) – Following long-established customs or beliefs.
conventional (adj.) – Based on what is generally done or believed.
cautious (adj.) – Careful to avoid potential problems or risks.
🚫 Antonyms
liberal (adj.) – Open to new behavior or opinions and willing to discard traditional values.
progressive (adj.) – Favoring or advocating progress, change, improvement, or reform.
radical (adj.) – Advocating or based on thorough or complete political or social change.
🌱 Derivatives
conservatively (adv.) – in a cautious or traditional manner
conservatism (n.) – the tendency to resist change and preserve traditional values
conservativeness (n.) – the quality of being conservative
📖 Cultural Story
'Conservative' comes from Latin 'conservare' (to preserve). It was first used politically in the 19th century to describe those opposed to radical change. Now widely used for cautious estimation and traditional preferences.
Meaning 2：cautious estimate (conservative)
conservative
/kənˈsɜːrvətɪv/
adj.
When guessing a number (like cost, time, or profit), you make a safe guess that is probably lower than reality, so you won't be surprised.
cautious estimate
➕
/ˈkɔːʃəs ˈɛstɪmət/
adj.
A conservative estimate is a deliberately low or safe guess, so the actual result is likely to be higher.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The financial director gave a conservative estimate of next year's profits, so the actual results might be even better.
The financial director gave a conservative estimate of next year's profits, so the actual results might be even better.
🔗 Collocations
conservative estimate – a deliberately low or safe number prediction
conservative forecast – a cautious prediction of future trends
conservative projection – a careful calculation of expected outcomes
🔄 Synonyms
moderate (adj.) – Within reasonable limits; not extreme.
safe (adj.) – Involving little risk; cautious.
understated (adj.) – Presented or expressed in a restrained or minimal way.
🚫 Antonyms
aggressive (adj.) – Confidently ambitious; likely to overestimate.
optimistic (adj.) – Hopeful and confident about the future; usually a high estimate.
inflated (adj.) – Exaggerated beyond what is realistic.
🌱 Derivatives
conservatively (adv.) – in a cautious or traditional manner (e.g., 'conservatively estimated')
conservatism (n.) – the tendency to resist change and preserve traditional values
conservativeness (n.) – the quality of being conservative
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