A political or philosophical belief that values tradition, gradual change, and the preservation of established institutions.
From 'conservative' (cautious, traditional) + suffix '-ism' (a system of beliefs). The word became prominent in the early 1800s to describe political movements opposed to radical change.
The interesting twist: conservatism means different things in different countries—French conservatism looks different from American conservatism, showing how tradition itself is culturally shaped.
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