Definition

The condition of limiting or controlling something, often making it less free or open.

Example

The restrictiveness of the new rules made it difficult for students to express their opinions.

Conversation

Have you noticed the restrictiveness of the new rules at school?

Yeah, they seem to be making everything more complicated.

I just feel like the restrictiveness is stifling our creativity.

Totally! It would be nice to have more freedom to explore ideas.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Restrictiveness → It is formed from "re-" (meaning back or again), "strict" (from Latin "strictus", meaning drawn tight or tight), and "-ness" (meaning the state or quality of). The word "restrictiveness" refers to the quality of being tight or limiting, often in terms of rules or regulations.

Memory Tip

Think of 'tightening back' ('re-' and 'strict') to remember that 'restrictiveness' means the quality of being limiting or constraining.

Visually Confused Words