# developmentally

/dɪˌvɛɫəpˈmɛnəɫi/ (US) · /dɪvˈɛləpmˈɛntəli/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/developmentally
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

in a way that relates to how a person or thing grows and changes over time. You use this to describe things that happen as part of a natural process of becoming more mature.

For teachers: relating to the process of growth, maturation, or evolution over time. Often used in psychological or biological contexts to describe stages of progress.

## Examples

- The child is developing well developmentally for her age.
- The researchers studied how the brain changes developmentally during the first decade of life.
- While the software is technically advanced, it lacks the developmentally appropriate features required to engage younger users effectively.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.