Illiberality
/ˌɪlɪbəˈræləti/
nounC1
Definition
Illiberality is when someone or something is not free or open-minded. It often means being strict, controlling, or not accepting new or different ideas. This word is used to describe attitudes, actions, or systems that limit freedom or are unfairly strict.
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See It in Action
Lack of freedom or openness in thinking or actions
- •The illiberality of the government stopped people from speaking freely.
- •His illiberality made it hard for the team to share new ideas.
- •Illiberality in a society can make people feel trapped or scared.
Narrow-mindedness or intolerance toward different opinions
- •Illiberality causes people to reject opinions that are different from their own.
- •The illiberality of the leader blocked progress and change.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "illiberality" like "closed mind," but stronger—it means not just closed, but also unfair and strict
- ✓Picture a small, locked box that won’t open to new ideas or people
- ✓It’s the feeling when someone refuses to listen or accept different opinions, making you feel limited or controlled
- ✓Sounds like "ill-liberal-ity" → imagine someone saying "No!" to freedom and openness again and again
- ✓Think of a strict school rule that does not allow any fun or creativity—this is an example of illiberality
- ✓NOT like "liberty" (which means freedom)—illiberality is the opposite, meaning lack of freedom or openness
- ✓NOT like "rudeness" (bad manners)—illiberality is about limiting freedom, not just being impolite
- ✓NOT like "strictness" alone—illiberality often includes unfair limits on ideas or rights, not just rules
Try Other Words
- •Intolerance: unwillingness to accept different opinions or behaviors (Use when focusing on refusal to accept differences)
- •Closed-mindedness: not willing to consider new ideas (Use in informal or everyday talk)
- •Oppression: unfair control or power over people (Use when illiberality involves strong control or loss of freedom)
- •Restrictiveness: the quality of limiting or controlling (Use when focusing on rules or limits)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: prefix "il-" (not) + root "liberal" (free, open) + suffix "-ity" (state or quality)
- •Etymology: From Latin "liberalis" meaning free, with "il-" added to show the opposite; "-ity" makes it a noun meaning the state of being not free
- •Historical development: The word came from political and social discussions about freedom and control, especially in the 19th and 20th centuries
- •Modern usage: Used mainly in formal or academic language to describe lack of freedom, openness, or tolerance in ideas, politics, or society
Reflect & Connect
•How does illiberality affect the way people share their ideas or feelings in a group?
•Can illiberality sometimes be necessary for safety or order, or is it always negative?
Fill in the blanks
1.The illiberality of the government ___ people from expressing their opinions freely.
2.When a leader shows illiberality, it often ___ new ideas and changes.
3.Illiberality is different from simple strictness because it ___ freedom and openness, not just rules.
4.People feel ___ when illiberality limits their rights or choices.
5.Illiberality often ___ intolerance and narrow-mindedness in a community.
6.In some cases, illiberality can ___ fear or silence among citizens.
7.The opposite of illiberality is ___, which means having freedom and openness.