Langimage
English

regressive

|re/gres/sive|

C1

/rɪˈɡrɛsɪv/

(regress)

return to a previous state

Base FormPresent3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleNounAdjectiveAdverb
regressregressesregressesregressedregressedregressingregressionregressiveregressively
Etymology
Etymology Information

'regressive' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'regressus,' where 're-' meant 'back' and 'gradi' meant 'to step.'

Historical Evolution

'regressus' transformed into the French word 'régressif,' and eventually became the modern English word 'regressive' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to step back,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'returning to a former state' and 'disproportionate taxation.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

characterized by a return to a former or less developed state.

The company adopted a regressive policy that hindered innovation.

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Adjective 2

(Of a tax) taking a proportionally greater amount from those on lower incomes.

A regressive tax system places a heavier burden on the poor.

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Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41