antiaggressiveness
|an-ti-a-gress-ive-ness|
/ˌæn.ti.əˈɡrɛs.ɪv.nəs/
opposed to aggression / non-aggressiveness
Etymology
'antiaggressiveness' is a Modern English compound formed from the prefix 'anti-' (meaning 'against') and the noun 'aggressiveness' (from 'aggressive').
'aggressiveness' developed from the adjective 'aggressive,' which comes from Latin 'aggredi'/'aggressus' (to attack, approach) via French and Late Latin; the compound 'anti-' + 'aggressiveness' arose in Modern English through productive use of the prefix 'anti-'.
Initially the parts meant 'against' (anti-) and 'tendency to attack' (aggressiveness); combined, they yielded the modern meaning 'opposition to aggression' or 'non-aggressiveness'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the quality or state of being opposed to aggression or aggressive behavior; opposition to aggression.
The committee's antiaggressiveness influenced its preference for diplomatic solutions over military action.
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Noun 2
a tendency or disposition not to be aggressive; a lack of aggressiveness or propensity to avoid confrontation.
Her antiaggressiveness made her an effective mediator in tense negotiations.
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Last updated: 2025/08/27 05:03