How Do You Spell OPPRESSIVE?

Pronunciation: [əpɹˈɛsɪv] (IPA)

The word "oppressive" is spelled with three syllables: /əˈprɛsɪv/. The first syllable is pronounced with the short "uh" sound, followed by a stress on the second syllable with the "e" sound. The final syllable has the short "ih" sound, followed by a "v" sound to complete the word. This word refers to something that is cruel, harsh or confining, and can be used to describe emotional or physical situations that are difficult to overcome. It is an important word to know for discussing social justice issues.

OPPRESSIVE Meaning and Definition

  1. Oppressive is an adjective that describes something or someone that exercises unfair and cruel power or control, typically creating a feeling of hardship, restriction, or distress. The term is often used to depict situations, systems, governments, or individuals that exploit their authority to suppress, dominate, or harm others.

    When referring to oppressive governments or regimes, it implies a system characterized by authoritarianism, where basic human rights and freedoms are severely limited or altogether denied. This can include curbing freedom of speech, intimidating dissidents, subjecting citizens to surveillance, or using tactics of repression to maintain their hold on power, often cycling through a range of oppressive measures including censorship, arrests, or even violence.

    On a personal level, an oppressive person may exhibit controlling behavior, constantly demeaning or belittling others, manipulating them emotionally, or enforcing strict rules and regulations to deter freedom of thought or action. This can lead to feelings of suffocation, demoralization, and suppression of individual expression, stifling personal growth and creativity.

    The term oppressive can also be used in a broader sense to describe oppressive environmental conditions, such as extreme heat or humidity that imposes physical strain and discomfort on individuals.

    Overall, oppressive is a term employed to convey the presence of unjust and domineering forces, whether they be societal, governmental, or inter-personal, that excessively constrain and burden those under their influence.

  2. Unjustly or excessively severe; tyrannical; extortionate; overwhelming.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for OPPRESSIVE *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for OPPRESSIVE

Etymology of OPPRESSIVE

The word "oppressive" originated from the Latin word "oppressus", which is the past participle of the verb "opprimere". "Opprimere" is derived from the combination of two Latin words: "ob", meaning "against", and "premere", meaning "to press". Hence, "opprimere" literally means "to press against" or "to squeeze". Over time, this Latin verb evolved into the Middle English word "oppressen" with a similar meaning. Eventually, it developed into the modern English word "oppressive", describing actions or situations that cause excessive pressure, burden, or domination on someone.

Similar spelling words for OPPRESSIVE

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