liberality: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Literary
Quick answer
What does “liberality” mean?
The quality of being generous, willing to give freely or in large amounts.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The quality of being generous, willing to give freely or in large amounts.
Open-mindedness, tolerance, and freedom from narrow or prejudiced views, especially in matters of opinion, religion, or behavior.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. More likely found in formal British prose or historical contexts.
Connotations
In both, can connote nobility or high-mindedness. In modern use, may be seen as a formal alternative to 'generosity' or 'open-mindedness'.
Frequency
Rare in everyday speech in both varieties. Slightly more common in British formal/academic writing due to historical usage.
Grammar
How to Use “liberality” in a Sentence
liberality towards [someone/something]liberality in [doing something]liberality of [spirit/mind]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “liberality” in a Sentence
adverb
British English
- He interpreted the rules liberally.
- She gave liberally to charity.
American English
- He interpreted the rules liberally.
- She donated liberally to charity.
adjective
British English
- His approach was marked by a liberally funded programme.
- She held liberal views on the matter.
American English
- His approach was marked by liberally funded programs.
- She held liberal views on the issue.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in corporate philanthropy contexts: 'The company's liberality in funding community projects is well-known.'
Academic
Found in political philosophy, history, theology discussing tolerance, e.g., 'The liberality of the Enlightenment thinkers.'
Everyday
Very rare. Replaced by 'generosity' or 'open-mindedness'.
Technical
Used in legal/regulatory contexts (e.g., EU law) as a principle of interpretation favoring a broad application.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “liberality”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “liberality”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “liberality”
- Confusing it with the political term 'liberalism'.
- Using it in casual contexts where 'generosity' is more natural.
- Misspelling as 'liberatily' or 'libertality'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. While generosity is a core part, liberality also includes intellectual openness and tolerance, making it a broader concept of being free from narrow constraints.
It would sound very formal or old-fashioned. In most everyday situations, 'generosity' or 'open-mindedness' are more natural choices.
'Liberality' is a personal quality of generosity and open-mindedness. 'Liberalism' is a political and social philosophy emphasizing individual rights and freedoms.
No direct verb. Related actions are described with the adjective 'liberal' + verb (e.g., 'give liberally') or synonyms like 'bestow generously'.
The quality of being generous, willing to give freely or in large amounts.
Liberality is usually formal, literary in register.
Liberality: in British English it is pronounced /ˌlɪb.əˈræl.ə.ti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌlɪb.əˈræl.ə.t̬i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to the word. Related: 'Open-handedness', 'Free-thinking'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of LIBERAL + ITY. A LIBERAL person is free (like 'liberty') with their money and thoughts. LIBERAL-ITY is the quality of being that way.
Conceptual Metaphor
OPENNESS IS WIDTH/SPACE (broad-mindedness), GENEROSITY IS FLUIDITY (free-flowing giving).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a core meaning of 'liberality'?