Definition

Something that causes a delay or prolongs a situation over time.

Example

The protractive negotiations made it difficult to reach an agreement.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Conversation

Have you noticed how some meetings just seem to drag on forever?

Absolutely! They can be so protractive sometimes.

I wish they would stick to the point and not waste our time.

Right? It feels like they just want to prolong the discussion unnecessarily.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Protractive → It is formed from "pro-" (meaning forward) and "tractus" (from "tract" meaning to pull or draw). The word "protractive" means having the quality of drawing out or extending over time.

Memory Tip

Think of 'pulling forward' ('pro-') something that is drawn out or extended, which is what protractive means.

Visually Confused Words