pro-animalist
|pro-an-i-mal-ist|
🇺🇸
/proʊˈænɪməlɪst/
🇬🇧
/prəʊˈænɪməlɪst/
in favor of animals
Etymology
'pro-animalist' is a modern English compound formed from the prefix 'pro-' (meaning 'for' or 'in favor of') + 'animalist' (a formation from 'animal' + the agentive suffix '-ist').
'pro-' originates from Latin 'pro' meaning 'for, before'; 'animal' comes from Latin 'animalis' meaning 'having breath' or 'a living being'; the agentive suffix '-ist' comes via French/Latin from Greek/Latin '-ista' used to form agents. The compound 'pro-animalist' is a contemporary English formation combining these elements to designate support for animals.
Initially the elements meant 'for' (pro-) and 'living being' (animal), and the combined modern sense became 'in favor of animals or their rights' — a political or ethical stance supporting animals.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who supports the interests, rights, or welfare of animals; an advocate for animals.
She's a committed pro-animalist who volunteers at the wildlife rescue center every weekend.
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Adjective 1
favoring or supporting the welfare or rights of animals; in favor of animal protection or rights.
The party adopted a more pro-animalist stance on farming and laboratory testing.
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Last updated: 2025/11/30 03:45