Liberalism is neither synonymous to individualism, nor to democracy and nor to socialism. In the form of philosophy or principle, liberalism is a thought which is committed for freedom in government’s process and policy, principle of organization of a society and lifestyle of individual and society. 

The above statements can be clarified in the following ways:

1. Liberalism not synonymous to individualism: 

In general, liberalism is thought to be synonymous to individualism, but it is not so, because both have major differences. Individualism does not tolerate state’s intervention in the life of an individual, where as in modern era, liberalism, moving beyond individualism, accepts the positive role of a state and it does not have any objection to its intervention, if it is in the interest of general public.

2. Liberalism not synonymous to democracy: 

Some people believe that liberalism is synonymous to democracy, but this is also not true. Though, there is a close relation between democracy and liberalism, yet these are not the same. The basis of liberalism is freedom and it is against centralized administration, whereas fundamental basis of democracy is equality.

3. Liberalism not synonymous to socialism: 

Liberalism cannot be regarded to be synonymous to socialism. Despite taking man/individual as an accomplishment liberalism does not undermine social interest. Thought it assumes the state as a means, yet it supports personal liberty to an extent where it is good for collective interests. Liberalism opposes socialism and communism of modern period.