reductive
|re-duc-tive|
C1
/rɪˈdʌktɪv/
simplifying excessively
Etymology
Etymology Information
'reductive' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'reductivus,' where 're-' meant 'back' and 'ducere' meant 'to lead.'
Historical Evolution
'reductivus' transformed into the French word 'réductif,' and eventually became the modern English word 'reductive' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to lead back,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'simplifying to the point of misrepresentation.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
tending to present a subject or problem in a simplified form, often to the point of misrepresentation.
The analysis was criticized for being too reductive.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/03/11 18:49