pro-astronomy
|pro-ast-ron-o-my|
🇺🇸
/proʊ-əˈstrɑnəmi/
🇬🇧
/prəʊ-əˈstrɒnəmi/
for astronomy / supporting astronomy
Etymology
'pro-astronomy' is formed from the Latin prefix 'pro-' (from Latin 'pro') meaning 'for, in favor of' combined with Greek 'astronomia' (ἀστρονομία), where 'astron' meant 'star' and 'nomos' meant 'law' or 'custom'.
'astronomia' (Greek) passed into Latin as 'astronomia', then into Middle English as 'astronomie' and eventually became modern English 'astronomy'; the prefix 'pro-' has long been used in English to form compounds meaning 'in favor of', and the modern compound 'pro-astronomy' arose by combining these elements to express support for the field.
Originally, 'astronomia' literally meant 'law or ordering of the stars'; over time it evolved to mean the scientific study of celestial objects. The prefix 'pro-' kept its sense 'for', so 'pro-astronomy' now means 'in favor of astronomy' or 'supportive of the study of the stars'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
support, advocacy, or a movement in favor of astronomy (as a discipline, research area, public interest, or funding priority).
There was strong pro-astronomy among local schools, which led to new outreach programs.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 1
being in favor of, supportive of, or promoting the study, practice, funding, or public appreciation of astronomy.
The committee adopted a pro-astronomy stance, recommending increased funding for space telescopes.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/16 05:34