Definition Dictionary

A political tradition emphasizing individual freedom, civil liberties, and openness to reform.

To free someone or something from control, restriction, or confinement.

A word or phrase repeated frequently as a guiding idea; also a sacred utterance in some traditions.

A concise statement of a general rule or principle.

Only moderate in quality; not especially good.

One word family: also includes mediocrity.

Worth, quality, or a sound reason that deserves recognition or consideration.

To reduce the severity, seriousness, or harmful effect of something.

One word family: also includes mitigation.

To make or become less intense, extreme, or severe.

Restraint that avoids excess or extremes.

Having several different aspects or features.

Unwilling to consider ideas or practices beyond a limited set of familiar views.

A connection or a point where several things come together.

A person who does not follow generally accepted beliefs, customs, or patterns of behavior.

To make something harder to understand, often deliberately.

An amount that is greater than needed or useful.

Exaggerated, inflated, or more grandiose than the subject warrants.

Excessive satisfaction of a desire or appetite.

More important than other competing concerns or considerations.

So clear or strong that it is readily perceived; literally, able to be touched.

A short story that illustrates a moral or general lesson.

An imitation that exaggerates distinctive features for comic or critical effect.

At the edge or less central to the main subject.

Readily allowing behavior or choices, often with few restrictions.

Deliberately contrary to what is expected or reasonable; also contrary in an unexpected way.