Developmental
/ˌdiːvəˈlɒpməntəl/
Definitions
Relating to the process of growth, change, and maturation over time, particularly referring to the progressive changes in physical, cognitive, social, or emotional aspects.
/ˌdiːvəˈlɒpməntəl/
Relating to the process of development or growth
The school offers a developmental program for children with learning difficulties.
💡 Simply: It's like watching a baby grow up, from learning to crawl to walking and talking. Anything that's about how things become more complex and better over time is developmental. For example, a developmental toy helps kids learn new skills.
👶 For kids: It means getting bigger, smarter, and learning new things, like how a baby grows up!
More Examples
Researchers are studying the developmental stages of the human brain.
Early intervention is crucial for addressing developmental delays.
How It's Used
"Developmental psychology studies how people grow and change throughout their lives."
"A developmental assessment helps identify a child's skills and needs."
"Developmental biology focuses on the processes by which organisms grow and develop."
From Middle English *developen* (to unfold), derived from Old French *desveloper* (to unwrap, unfold). The suffix '-al' indicates an adjective relating to 'development'.
The term 'developmental' and its related forms have been used extensively since the 19th century in fields like biology, psychology, and education to describe the process of growth and change.
Memory tip
Think of a plant developing from a seed - that's developmental.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: develop