Now that he’s using it all the time, Bob Dole should look up the word “liberal” in a good dictionary. He seems to think it is pejorative. Not so in my Random House Dictionary of the English language.

“Liberal” is defined therein as 1. favorable to progress or reform, as in religion or political affairs; 2. noting or pertaining to a political party, advocating measures of progressive political reform; 3. of or pertaining to representational forms of government rather than aristocracies and monarchies; 4. favorable to or in accord with concepts of maximum individual freedom possible, esp. as guaranteed by law and secured by governmental protection of civil liberties; 5. favoring or permitting freedom of action esp. with respect to matters of personal belief or expression; 6. free from prejudice or bigotry, tolerant; 7. open-minded or tolerant; 8. characterized by generosity and willingness to give in large amounts (a liberal patron), a liberal donor; 9. not strict or rigorous, free not literal; 10. befitting a freeman; 12. a person of liberal principles or views, esp. in religion or politics.

Synonyms: progressive, broadminded, unprejudiced, generous, beneficent, charitable, open-handed, munificent, unstinting, lavish.

Antonyms: reactionary, intolerant, and niggardly. Patricia Schroth Sedgwick