Definition
A broad educational approach emphasizing critical thinking, communication, and diverse knowledge across humanities, sciences, and social sciences, rather than narrow vocational training. Parents question its value; employers claim they want it; students stress about job prospects regardless.
Example Usage
My liberal arts degree taught me to think critically about economic systems, which is useful when explaining to relatives why I'm still job hunting.
Origin
From Latin 'artes liberales,' the subjects worthy of a free person in ancient Rome, as opposed to vocational skills for laborers
Fun Fact
Despite stereotypes, liberal arts majors have higher mid-career earnings than many pre-professional majors, though they start lower.
Related Terms
Translate This Term
See “liberal arts” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
Try the Translator