Definition

In a way that is slow or difficult to pass, often referring to bowel movements.

Example

After eating too much cheese, he felt costively and uncomfortable.

Conversation

I noticed you were speaking pretty costively during the meeting yesterday.

Yeah, I was trying to make my point clear without rambling.

I think it worked well, but it felt a bit stiff at times.

True, but sometimes being costively precise is better than being vague.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'costively' originates from the adjective 'costive', which comes from the Latin 'constipare' (meaning to press together or crowd). The suffix '-ly' indicates a manner or quality. Therefore, 'costively' describes something done in a manner that is constricted or limited, often relating to bowel movement difficulties.

Memory Tip

Think of 'costive' as meaning something that is 'pressed together' or 'crowded', and remember that 'costively' describes doing something in a constricted manner.

Visually Confused Words