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Regressive: meaning, definitions and examples

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regressive

 

[ rɪˈɡrɛsɪv ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

psychology

Relating to or marked by a return to a past condition, behavior, or belief.

Synonyms

backsliding, retrogressive, reverting

Examples of usage

  • Her regressive behavior was a result of stress at work.
  • The patient's regressive state was a concern for the therapist.
Context #2 | Adjective

politics

Opposing progress or reform; advocating for a return to a previous state.

Synonyms

conservative, reactionary, traditionalist

Examples of usage

  • The regressive policies of the government were met with strong opposition.
  • He was known for his regressive views on social issues.
Context #3 | Adjective

economics

Describing a tax or system that takes a proportionally greater amount from low-income earners than from high-income earners.

Synonyms

biased, inequitable, unfair

Examples of usage

  • The regressive tax system was criticized for its impact on the working class.
  • Implementing regressive policies would exacerbate income inequality.

Translations

Translations of the word "regressive" in other languages:

🇵🇹 regressivo

🇮🇳 प्रतिगामी

🇩🇪 regressiv

🇮🇩 regresif

🇺🇦 регресивний

🇵🇱 regresywny

🇯🇵 退行性

🇫🇷 régressif

🇪🇸 regresivo

🇹🇷 gerileyici

🇰🇷 퇴행성

🇸🇦 تراجعي

🇨🇿 regresivní

🇸🇰 regresívny

🇨🇳 倒退的

🇸🇮 regresiven

🇮🇸 afturfarandi

🇰🇿 регрессивті

🇬🇪 რეგრესული

🇦🇿 regressiv

🇲🇽 regresivo

Word origin

The word 'regressive' comes from the Latin word 'regressus', which means 'to go back'. It first appeared in English in the early 17th century. Over time, 'regressive' has been used in various fields such as psychology, politics, and economics to describe a return to a previous state or condition. Its usage has evolved to encompass concepts of backwardness, opposition to progress, and disproportionate impact on different socio-economic groups.

See also: regressing, regression, retrogression.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,148, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.