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illiberally

illiberally

1 9.4
In a way that is not open to different ideas
  • adverb
  • /ɪˈlɪbərəli/
  • Formal
: de manera intolerante
  • He spoke illiberally about the new policies.

Examples

  • The policy was enforced illiberally, leaving little room for individual circumstances.

  • Decisions made illiberally often stifle creativity and progress.

  • He interpreted the rules illiberally and refused any exceptions.

  • The board acted illiberally towards the proposed changes.

  • The organization was criticized for acting illiberally, refusing to consider any viewpoints that differed from their own.

  • Some governments may react illiberally, limiting free speech when they do not agree with dissenting opinions.

  • He spoke illiberally about those who had different beliefs, showing a lack of respect for their perspectives.

Synonyms

intolerantly
vsilliberally
1 6.5

Without accepting views or actions that are different from your own

is about narrowness and intolerance rather than only active refusal
narrow-mindedly
vsilliberally
1 7.3

In a way that refuses to accept different ideas or people

is more about a general lack of openness rather than specific cultural rejection

Antonyms

1 4.1

In a calm way that accepts different opinions or behavior

How Intolerant

intolerantly
1 6.5
illiberally
  • Formal
1 9.4
narrowly
27 4.1

Surface Forms

illiberally positive

Morphology

illiberally = illiberal (transparent) = il + liberal + ly

Formed by adding '-ly' to 'illiberal' to mean 'in a not broad-minded manner', which is a straightforward adverbial derivation.

Etymology

Illiberally starts with il- meaning 'not' and is related to liberty, which means 'free'. So to act illiberally is to act 'not free' in mind — narrow-minded and not tolerant, which is why the word means behaving in a closed, intolerant way.