liberalizing
|lib-er-al-iz-ing|
🇺🇸
/ˈlɪb(ə)rəlˌaɪzɪŋ/
🇬🇧
/ˈlɪb(ə)r(ə)lˌaɪzɪŋ/
(liberalize)
make free
Etymology
'liberalize' originates from English, formed from the adjective 'liberal' plus the verb-forming suffix '-ize' (via French '-iser' and Greek '-izein'), where 'liberal' ultimately comes from Latin 'liberalis' and 'liber' meant 'free'.
'liberalize' developed in modern English (19th century) influenced by French 'libéraliser' and the productive English suffix '-ize', evolving from the adjective 'liberal' to the verb form 'liberalize' and then to derivatives like 'liberalizing'.
Initially associated with meanings of being 'free' or 'generous' (from Latin roots), the English verb came to mean specifically 'to make less restricted or more open' (e.g., deregulate, open up).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
present participle or gerund form of 'liberalize'. To make (laws, policies, practices, etc.) less strict or more open; to remove or reduce restrictions.
The government is liberalizing trade regulations to encourage imports and exports.
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Adjective 1
derived from the present participle of 'liberalize'. Describing reforms, policies, or actions that make something more liberal, open, or less regulated.
Liberalizing reforms in the banking sector attracted foreign investors.
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Last updated: 2025/10/27 21:31