pro-environmental
|pro-en-vi-ron-men-tal|
🇺🇸
/ˌproʊɪnˌvaɪrənˈmɛntəl/
🇬🇧
/ˌprəʊɪnˌvaɪrənˈmɛntəl/
for the environment
Etymology
'pro-environmental' originates from Modern English, combining the prefix 'pro-' (from Latin 'pro' meaning 'for') with 'environmental', which is derived from 'environment' + the adjectival suffix '-al'.
'environment' entered English via French 'environnement' (from Old French 'environ' meaning 'around' or 'encircle'), and the prefix 'pro-' comes from Latin 'pro'. The compound 'pro-environmental' formed in recent English usage by joining these elements to mean 'for the environment'.
Initially composed to indicate being 'for the environment' in a literal sense, it has come to be used broadly to describe policies, behaviours, or attitudes that actively support environmental protection or sustainability.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
supporting actions, policies, or attitudes that protect or improve the natural environment.
Many companies now adopt pro-environmental policies to reduce waste and emissions.
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Adjective 2
intended to benefit the environment (used of policies, products, or behaviours designed to have positive environmental effects).
The city introduced several pro-environmental initiatives, including expanded recycling programs.
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Last updated: 2025/10/27 00:48