Langimage
English

segregative

|seg/re/ga/tive|

C2

/ˈsɛɡ.rə.ɡə.tɪv/

tending to separate

Etymology
Etymology Information

'segregative' originates from Latin, specifically from the verb 'segregare' and the adjective-forming suffix '-ivus' (via Late Latin/Modern formation), where 'se-' meant 'apart' and 'greg-' (from Latin 'grex') meant 'flock' or 'group'.

Historical Evolution

'segregare' (Latin) → Late Latin/Medieval Latin forms (e.g. 'segregatus') → English verb 'segregate' (borrowed/derived) → adjective formed as 'segregative' by adding the suffix '-ive' in English.

Meaning Changes

Initially the root meant 'to separate from the flock' or 'to remove from a group'; over time it evolved into the general modern sense 'to separate or set apart', and 'segregative' now means 'tending to separate' or 'relating to segregation.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

tending to cause or produce separation or isolation of groups; promoting segregation.

The company's segregative policies led to clear divisions between departments.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Adjective 2

relating to or characteristic of segregation (descriptive use: describing a system, policy, or feature that separates groups).

Historians examined the segregative laws enacted in that era.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/09/18 03:25