pro-development
|pro-de-vel-op-ment|
🇺🇸
/ˌproʊ dɪˈvɛləpmənt/
🇬🇧
/ˌprəʊ dɪˈvɛləpmənt/
for growth/expansion
Etymology
'pro-' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'pro', where 'pro' meant 'for' or 'forward'; 'development' originates from Old French, specifically the verb 'desveloper', where 'des-' + 'veloper' related to 'unwrap' or 'unfold'.
'development' changed from Middle English 'developen' (from Old French 'desveloper') and eventually became the modern English noun 'development'; the prefix 'pro-' has been used in English as an independent combining form meaning 'in favor of' since Modern English.
Initially, the root behind 'develop' had senses related to 'unfold' or 'unwrap'; over time the verb evolved to mean 'bring out, grow, or expand', and the noun 'development' came to mean a process of growth or the result of growth; combined with the prefix 'pro-' it now means 'in favor of growth/expansion'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person, policy, or stance that is supportive of development (i.e., someone or something described as 'pro-development').
In the debate, several pro-developments argued that relaxing zoning rules would boost the local economy.
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Adjective 1
favoring or supportive of development (especially economic, urban, or property development).
The new administration took a pro-development approach to attract investment and create jobs.
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Last updated: 2025/10/30 19:11