text: I believe these definitions still apply today in the terms defined below.  A liberal is one who does not lean towards conservatism, is open to change and a non-traditionalist, such as those who are for gay marriages (example only) and a conservative feels just the opposite, that more traditional values should be maintained.  Sorry a few people did not see the second part of your question and only told you to look it up in the dictionary. :)\n\nlib·er·al    (lbr-l, lbrl) KEY  \n\nADJECTIVE: \n\n\nNot limited to or by established, traditional, orthodox, or authoritarian attitudes, views, or dogmas; free from bigotry. \nFavoring proposals for reform, open to new ideas for progress, and tolerant of the ideas and behavior of others; broad-minded. \nOf, relating to, or characteristic of liberalism. \nLiberal Of, designating, or characteristic of a political party founded on or associated with principles of social and political liberalism, especially in Great Britain, Canada, and the United States. \n\nTending to give freely; generous: a liberal benefactor. \nGenerous in amount; ample: a liberal serving of potatoes. \nNot strict or literal; loose or approximate: a liberal translation. \nOf, relating to, or based on the traditional arts and sciences of a college or university curriculum: a liberal education. \n\nArchaic Permissible or appropriate for a person of free birth; befitting a lady or gentleman. \nObsolete Morally unrestrained; licentious. \n\n\ncon·ser·va·tive    (kn-sûrv-tv) KEY  \n\nADJECTIVE: \n\nFavoring traditional views and values; tending to oppose change. \nTraditional or restrained in style: a conservative dark suit. \nModerate; cautious: a conservative estimate. \n\nOf or relating to the political philosophy of conservatism. \nBelonging to a conservative party, group, or movement. \nConservative Of or belonging to the Conservative Party in the United Kingdom or the Progressive Conservative Party in Canada. \nConservative Of or adhering to Conservative Judaism. \nTending to conserve; preservative: the conservative use of natural resources. \nNOUN: \n\nOne favoring traditional views and values. \nA supporter of political conservatism. \nConservative A member or supporter of the Conservative Party in the United Kingdom or the Progressive Conservative Party in Canada. \nArchaic A preservative agent or principle