adj
Uncommon
restrictive
rih-STRIHK-tihv
Restrictive (adj) means tending to limit freedom or keep something within narrow bounds. Example: “The company operates under increasingly restrictive regulations.”
adj
1
Tending to limit freedom or keep something within narrow bounds.
"The company operates under increasingly restrictive regulations."
"She found the school's dress code too restrictive."
"The contract contained restrictive terms that stopped her working for rivals."
How to use restrictive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLimiting or confining — used for rules, clothing, diets, or conditions in general.
Common pairings
restrictive rules
restrictive covenant
overly restrictive
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Word forms
- Plural
- restrictives
- Comparative
- more restrictive
- Superlative
- most restrictive
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The company operates under increasingly _____ regulations.
Etymology
Restrictive came from Middle French restrictif; morphologically it is restrict plus -ive.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
unrestrictive
Related words
Rhymes for restrictive
See all rhymes for restrictive →Frequently asked questions
What does “restrictive” mean?
The word “restrictive” means tending to limit freedom or keep something within narrow bounds. In plain terms, limiting or confining — used for rules, clothing, diets, or conditions in general.
How do you pronounce “restrictive”?
“Restrictive” is pronounced rih-STRIHK-tihv (/ɹɪˈstɹɪktɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “restrictive” in a sentence?
Here is “restrictive” used in a sentence: “The company operates under increasingly restrictive regulations.”
What part of speech is “restrictive”?
“Restrictive” is an adjective.
Is “restrictive” a common word?
“Restrictive” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between restrictive and strict?
Restrictive describes something that limits freedom or keeps something within narrow bounds, such as a restrictive diet or restrictive policy, while strict describes rules or enforcement that are rigorously applied, often by a person or authority. A policy can be restrictive in its content while being enforced either strictly or loosely.
What is a restrictive clause in grammar?
A restrictive clause is a clause that limits or narrows the meaning of the noun it modifies, and it is essential to the sentence's meaning, so it is not set off by commas, as in "the book that I borrowed is overdue." This grammatical term draws on the same core sense of restrictive as limiting or narrowing something.
What is the difference between restrictive and prohibitive?
Restrictive means limiting or narrowing something within bounds, while prohibitive means preventing something entirely, often by making it too costly or difficult to pursue. A restrictive rule narrows your options, whereas a prohibitive cost effectively rules an option out altogether.
