Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

di-vel-uhp-men-tl

Definitions

1. Relating to the process of development or growth, particularly in the context of physical, intellectual, or social maturation.

2. Pertaining to or concerned with the improvement, advancement, or evolution of an individual, society, or entity.

3. In a medical or psychological context, relating to the stages of physical or mental growth and progress in a person or organism.

Usage Examples

"The developmental stages of a child are crucial to understanding their growth and learning capacity."

"The developmental program was designed to foster economic growth in underdeveloped regions."

"The developmental changes in the community were noticeable as new infrastructure projects began."

Etymology

Derived from the word 'development,' which comes from the Latin 'disvolupare,' meaning 'to unfold' or 'unwrap.' The suffix '-al' indicates an adjective form, meaning related to development.

Synonyms

Progressive, evolving, growing, advancing, improving, formative, maturing, unfolding.

Antonyms

Regressive, stagnant, static, declining, retrogressive, arrested.

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of 'developmental' may vary slightly depending on regional accents. In North American English, the emphasis is often placed on the second syllable 'vel,' while in British English, the emphasis might shift slightly to the first syllable 'deh'.

Historical Usage

The term 'developmental' has been used in various fields such as psychology, biology, economics, and education. It has historically referred to the changes and processes involved in growth, both at individual and societal levels. It became prominent in the 19th century, particularly with the development of developmental psychology.

Cultural Nuances

The concept of 'developmental' may carry different cultural nuances. For example, in developmental psychology, Western theories might focus more on individual milestones, whereas in other cultures, the emphasis might be on social and communal development as part of an individual's growth.

More Information

The word 'developmental' is frequently used to describe aspects of growth, evolution, and progress. It is particularly relevant in fields like psychology, where it is used to describe stages of human development. It also applies in economics, where 'developmental' strategies are designed to advance social and economic welfare in a region. The term underscores the notion of continuous change and improvement, making it a key concept in discussions of both individual and societal progress.