Regressive Meaning
/rəˈɡrɛsɪv/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjThat tends to return, revert or regress.
adjWhose rate decreases as the taxed amount increases.
Sentence Examples
A tariff is a regressive tax on consumers.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
None
Antonyms:
CEFR Practice Quiz
The new tax policy was ____, benefiting the wealthy at the expense of low-income families.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Critics argued that the flat tax was ____ because it placed a heavier burden on lower earners.
Word Origin & History
Borrowed from Latin regressīvus, equivalent to regress + -ive.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Some say history repeats itself, that time is cyclical. Others cling to the notion of progress and change over time. Apparently Nancy Walker marches to a different drummer — marches backwards, that is. Her ideas on art and society seem quaint and odd on the one hand and, on the other, petty and regressive."
— 1981 December 27, Wade Nichols, “Victorian Imperialism”, in Gay Community News, volume 9, number 23, page 5:
"A contributing factor to this slightly regressive femininity may have been the sugary fabrics (silver lamé, tulle over sequins) and the meringuelike puffs and baby Googums bows at the neck."
— 2007 February 6, Cathy Horyn, “Young Spirits, One of Them an Old Master”, in The New York Times:
"He likes experimenting with flamboyant clothes! That’s it! It’s weird and regressive to think that means he is making a statement about his sexual orientation or gender identity. Let the man wear his “clowncore” jumpsuits in peace."
— 2023 February 8, Arwa Mahdawi, “People like Harry Styles don’t get awards? Pah!”, in G2 (w:The Guardian), London, page 3:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The new tax policy was ____, benefiting the wealthy at the expense of low-income families.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Critics argued that the flat tax was ____ because it placed a heavier burden on lower earners.