developmentally
UK: dɪˌveləpˈmentəli | US: dɪˌveləpˈmentəli
adv. in a manner related to growth or progressive change
adv. in terms of developmental processes (e.g., biology, psychology)
The root "develop" originates from Old French desveloper (to unwrap, unveil), combining des- (undo) + veloper (to wrap). The suffix "-ment" (Latin -mentum) forms nouns indicating action or result, while "-ally" (Latin -aliter) converts adjectives into adverbs. The word evolved from literal "unfolding" to abstract "progressive growth," reflecting its modern scientific and educational usage.
The child progressed developmentally at an average pace.
This theory analyzes language acquisition developmentally.
The program assesses students developmentally rather than by age.
Some skills emerge developmentally later in life.
The study tracks brain changes developmentally over decades.