Pushier

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Exhibiting greater forcefulness, assertiveness, or insistence than usual
2. Showing increased eagerness or boldness in pursuing aims or desires
3. Being notably more forward or determined in actions or demands

Etymology: Pushier is simply the comparative of "pushy," so its story is really the story of the adjective it modifies. "Pushy" is formed from the verb "push" plus the English suffix "-y," which turns a noun or verb into an adjective meaning "characterised by" or "having the quality of." The verb "push" reached English in the Middle English period, borrowed from Old French "pousser," which in turn descends from Latin "pulsare," meaning to strike or beat repeatedly, a frequentative of "pellere," to drive or push. Those Latin roots trace back to the same Proto-Indo-European root as many words for driving and thrusting. Because "pushy" was built inside English from a verb already in use, its meaning stayed close to the physical act of shoving, and only gradually came to describe people who press themselves forward. The comparative "pushier" follows the regular English pattern of adding "-ier" to two-syllable adjectives ending in "-y," changing the final "y" to "i" before the ending.

Synonyms: aggressive, forceful, insistent, assertive, tactless

Antonyms: modest, subtle, reserved, humble, discreet