text: what is the dictionary definitions of liberal and conservative and how do these apply to todays politics?   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. :)  lib·er·al    (lbr-l, lbrl) key    adjective:    not limited to or by established, traditional, orthodox, or authoritarian attitudes, views, or dogmas; free from bigotry.  favoring proposals for reform, open to new ideas for progress, and tolerant of the ideas and behavior of others; broad-minded.  of, relating to, or characteristic of liberalism.  liberal 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.   tending to give freely; generous: a liberal benefactor.  generous in amount; ample: a liberal serving of potatoes.  not strict or literal; loose or approximate: a liberal translation.  of, relating to, or based on the traditional arts and sciences of a college or university curriculum: a liberal education.   archaic permissible or appropriate for a person of free birth; befitting a lady or gentleman.  obsolete morally unrestrained; licentious.    con·ser·va·tive    (kn-sûrv-tv) key    adjective:   favoring traditional views and values; tending to oppose change.  traditional or restrained in style: a conservative dark suit.  moderate; cautious: a conservative estimate.   of or relating to the political philosophy of conservatism.  belonging to a conservative party, group, or movement.  conservative of or belonging to the conservative party in the united kingdom or the progressive conservative party in canada.  conservative of or adhering to conservative judaism.  tending to conserve; preservative: the conservative use of natural resources.  noun:   one favoring traditional views and values.  a supporter of political conservatism.  conservative a member or supporter of the conservative party in the united kingdom or the progressive conservative party in canada.  archaic a preservative agent or principle