Definition

Having the effect of limiting or controlling something.

Example

The new rules are too restrictive and make it hard for students to express themselves.

Conversation

I feel like some of these rules are really restrictive for our project.

Yeah, I agree. They make it hard to be creative.

We need more freedom to explore our ideas without such restrictive guidelines.

Definitely! It would help us come up with better solutions.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Restrictive → It is formed from "re-" (meaning back or again) and "stringere" (meaning to bind or tie). The word "restrictive" means to bind back or limit in some way.

Memory Tip

Think of 'binding back' ('re-' means back and 'stringere' means to bind) to remember that restrictive means limiting or controlling something.

Visually Confused Words