Disclosed are (A) an acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive; and (B) an acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive comprising an optically anisotropic compound having at least one substituent which contains an alkyl group, alkenyl group or alkynyl group at a meta-position of a mesogen. A polarizing plate and a liquid crystal display using the same are also disclosed. The optically anisotropic compound ensures excellent compatibility with the adhesive and high birefringence. Thus, main properties such as adhesion, reliability and durability in the conditions of high temperatures or high temperatures and high humidity are not worsened. Moreover light leakage is prevented by efficiently controlling the birefringence caused by shrinkage stress of the polarizing plate.