Where does “regression” come from?

Regression comes from Latin regressiō, formed from the prefix re- and the verb gradī meaning "to step," ultimately from Proto-Indo-European gʰredʰ-.

regression (English): An action of regressing, a return to a previous...

Definitions

  1. An action of regressing, a return to a previous...

Ancestry of “regression”, step by step

regression traces back through two separate lines of ancestry.

via Latin regressus

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1Latinregressusreturned, having returned; retired, retreated,...
2LatinregrediorI go or come back; turn back, return; I march...
3Latinrĕ-back, backwards
4Latinprōdūcōto lead or bring forth, forward or out
5Latinprō-forward direction, forward movement
6Proto-Italic*pro-pro- see the Latin entry for further meanings
7Proto-Indo-Europeanpro-toward, forward
8Proto-Indo-Europeanpor-to give birth; forward, through; going, passage
9Proto-Indo-Europeanper-before, in front; first; to go through
10Proto-Indo-Europeanpr̥tóspassed , crossed

via Finnish regressio

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1Finnishregressioregression
2Latin-tiōtion, -ation, -ing
3Latindissertātiō(spoken) dissertation, discourse, disquisition
4Latindissertusarranged, disposed; explained
5Latindissereresecond-person singular future passive indicative...
6Latindis-asunder, apart, in two; reversal, removal;...
7Latincalceusshoe
8Latincalxlimestone; chalk; the finish line
9Ancient Greekχάλιξsmall stone, pebble; gravel, rubble

Words derived from “regression

Every word from Proto-Indo-European pr̥tós
regression — Etymology, Origin & Word History | Etymology Explorer