What does recessive mean?
Recessive describes something that withdraws, recedes, or occupies a less prominent position. The word can suggest a feature that is deliberately understated or one that naturally falls away from view, although it often carries a more formal or literary tone than terms such as hidden or secondary. In genetics, recessive has a precise meaning: a recessive allele is generally masked by a dominant allele in a heterozygous individual and may be expressed when both copies are recessive. As a noun, a recessive is a recessive allele or trait, especially one associated with an inherited characteristic. The word is useful because it captures both physical withdrawal and the idea of a feature that is present but not immediately apparent.
Tending to recede, retreat, or be less prominent; also, in genetics, inherited in a form that is typically masked by a dominant allele.
"The sign was designed with recessive lettering that did not compete with the main display."
The general sense is formal and literary. The genetics sense is technical and established.
A recessive allele or trait, especially one that is masked by a dominant allele.
"Researchers screened the patient for a recessive associated with congenital deafness."
Usually used in genetics; “recessive” alone commonly means a recessive allele or genetic trait.
In genetics, a recessive trait can remain hidden for generations before it appears, making it a powerful example of something present without being immediately visible.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does recessive come from?
The adjective derives from the Latin recessus, a past participle meaning “gone back” or “withdrawn,” formed from recedere, “to withdraw.” English borrowed the related vocabulary in the 16th and 17th centuries, including recede and recession. The same Latin root appears in words such as cede, since both cede and recede are related to Latin cedere, “to move or give way.”
Related word forms
How recessive is actually used
In general use, recessive is formal and literary, suggesting withdrawal, lack of prominence, or a tendency to recede. In genetics, it has a specific technical meaning and is commonly used with terms such as allele, gene, and trait.
Easily confused with recessive
Reclusive describes someone who avoids social contact, whereas recessive describes something that withdraws, recedes, or is less prominent, or a genetically masked trait.