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proliferative

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /prəˈlɪfəreɪtɪv/

KK: /prəˈlɪfərətɪv/

adjective
Definition

Relating to the rapid increase or growth of something, especially cells.


Example

The proliferative nature of the cells made them a focus of the research study.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you heard about the new research on proliferative cells?
Sloth B
Yeah, it's fascinating how quickly they can multiply.
Sloth A
I know, right? It's amazing how proliferative activity can impact healing.
Sloth B
Absolutely! It could really change how we approach treatments.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
reproductive
multiplicative
expansive
Antonyms
dormant
static
inhibitory
Root Explanation

Proliferative → It is formed from "pro-" (meaning forward) and "lifer" (from Latin "liferare", meaning to bear or produce) and the suffix "-ative" (indicating a tendency or quality). The word "proliferative" refers to the quality of producing or bearing offspring or new growth, particularly in a biological context.

Memory Tip

Think of 'bearing' ('lifer') something 'forward' ('pro-') — this helps you remember that 'proliferative' means having the quality of producing new growth.

Visually Confused Words
vociferative
preoperative
obliterative
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