Definition

The quality or ability to stop something from happening or to keep something from occurring.

Example

The preventiveness of the new vaccine has significantly reduced the spread of the disease.

Conversation

I've been reading about the importance of preventiveness in health care.

That sounds interesting! What did you find out?

Well, it seems that being proactive can really help avoid serious issues.

Absolutely, a little preventiveness goes a long way in staying healthy.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Preventiveness → It is formed from "prevent" (from Latin "praevenire", meaning to come before) and the suffix "-ness" (meaning the state or quality of). The word "preventiveness" refers to the quality or state of being able to prevent something from happening.

Memory Tip

Think of the idea of coming 'before' ('praevenire') to stop something from happening — that's what preventiveness means.

Visually Confused Words