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DictionaryRoot: -ive
English

-ive

having a quality or tendency

Forms

  • -ive

Origin

Through French -if and -ive from Latin -ivus.

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adjective

aggressive

Ready to attack, confront, or pursue a goal forcefully.

Etymology
agLatinto, toward; addition; sometimes emphasis
+gressLatinstep or walk
+iveEnglishhaving a quality or tendency

Latin ad- and gradi express stepping toward something. Approaching an opponent can become attacking, connecting forward movement with the readiness to confront or pursue a goal forcefully.

Full entry

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