optimates
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9.9
- noun
- /ˈɒptɪmeɪts/
- The optimates opposed any reforms that threatened their wealth and power.
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Watch on YouTubeYou've got the optimates, these wealthy traders.
- You've got the optimates, these wealthy traders.
Examples
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Throughout history, the optimates have often resisted movements aimed at social change.
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In the debate, the optimates argued against the proposed changes to the political system.
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You've got the optimates, these wealthy traders.
Synonyms
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4.6
People or parties who support conservative views
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8.4
Very traditional in politics and strongly against change
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8.5
A person who strongly supports traditional beliefs and opposes social change
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9.5
Supporting existing institutions and the current social or political order
A person who opposes extreme political change and prefers slow, moderate reform
Antonyms
How Conservative
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778
4.4
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9.9
114
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69
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91
6.3
Surface Forms
Etymology
Optimates comes from the Latin optimus, meaning 'best', and today it is used for a conservative ruling class or political elite that wants to keep traditional power. That's why calling a group optimates suggests they favour the interests of the established 'best' rather than change.