If used in a non-political sense, "conservative" simply means "not much."
I'd like a large popcorn with a conservative amount of butter, please.
by Doc Sigma September 24, 2003
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A Political phrase that has been thrown around so much that it has lost its meaning and has many people who pretend to be it(Just as with the word Liberal).

Conservatives generally believe in less government and a government that only steps in when necessary.

On Economic Issues, Conservatives generally believe in low taxes, a flat income tax(seeing that it is the only equal and constitutional way to conduct a tax) and financial independence. They believe that a person's money belongs to the person, not the government. They believe in less government spending and fewer government programs. They are against welfare(both Corporate and Private) and intervention in the economy. These beliefs are generally known as "Fiscal Conservatism".

On Social Issues, Conservatives believe in interfering only when someone's constitutional rights are at risk. This is why many Conservatives are Pro-Life(they see abortion as an attack on a human being's constitutional right to live). Conservatives are against "Big Brother" telling you how to live your life.

Many Conservatives believe in an idea known as "Peace Through Strength." An idea that revolves around military strength and the power of intimidation to avoid war.

Conservatives are usually identified with the Republican Party, although in recent years, the Party has broken into a civil war between Conservatives and Neo-Conservatives(Not to be confused with Conservatives). And, recently, Neo-Conservatives have began to use the term "conservative" to refer to their own beliefs. However, some prominent Conservatives, such as John McCain, Ron Paul, and Fred Thompson, have risen and popularity as well as the ideas behind True Conservatism.
John McCain and Ron Paul are Conservatives, Rush Limbaugh is not.
by David N. Dunnsworth September 20, 2008
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Conservative (Non Political)

Means very little.

Conservative (Political)

Policies are small government, pro gun, pro life, low taxes, and a free market. LGBTQ rights varies between conservatives some say it is wrong while others are indifferent. The Republican party is the conservative force in the United States of America with its roots beginning in the early 17th century. The Republican parties main concern was the abolition of slavery (the first 23 African American senators were Republican). When the civil rights movement began in the late 1950's to late 70's it was backed by most Republicans and a handful of Democrats. In the early 1990's - Present many conservatives have been labeled racist, homophobic, and sexist by the Democratic party because of a so called party switch which is heavily debated due to the fact that many people find it impossible for a hole party filled with millions of opinionated men and women deciding to switch.
Non Political - Could you serve me a conservative amount of butter with my popcorn.

Political - The American president and his conservative allies wish to make peace with the Russian president against the Democrats wishes.
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1) A non argument used by people, egged on by talking heads. Often used in place of an intelligent point.

2) An economic ideology that emphasizes fiscal responsibility: Saving money as opposed to spending it.

3) A political ideology that less is more when in refference to the scale that Government should play in daily life.

4) Not to be confused with neo-conservative or neo con which emphasizes spending, and larger government.
1) You dirty conservative, you ate my baby!

2) The annual budget report angered many conservatives due to the outrageous disparity between the money created, and spent.

3) Mike appreciated a conservative approach to government, less is more.

4) Most true conservatives are deeply bothered by the wave of neo-cons that have come into existance.
by The Illustrious February 21, 2004
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I'm a conservative and therefore stand for wholesome family values despite the fact that my teenage daughter just had her first kid out of wedlock. ~ Sarah Palin
by Iceman4 May 14, 2010
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Exactly what the Republican party is NOT these days. Conservatives believe in smaller federal government activity, states' rights, isolationism, stronger border control, protecting American jobs and nationalism.

The Republican party currently believes in greater government spending on social programs nad the military, federal supremacy over states' rights, intervention in foreign affairs, lax immigration policies and border control, outsourcing American jobs to the Communist Chinese.
by RepBast1984 February 4, 2006
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