Transcription
-
- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- UK Pronunciation
- UK IPA
-
- [dih-struhk-tiv]
- /dɪˈstrʌk tɪv/
- /dɪˈstrʌk.tɪv/
-
- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
-
- [dih-struhk-tiv]
- /dɪˈstrʌk tɪv/
Definitions of destructive word
- adjective destructive Something that is destructive causes or is capable of causing great damage, harm, or injury. 3
- adjective destructive causing or tending to cause the destruction (of) 3
- adjective destructive intended to disprove or discredit, esp without positive suggestions or help; negative 3
- adjective destructive tending or likely to cause destruction 3
- adjective destructive causing or producing destruction; destroying 3
- adjective destructive merely negative; not helpful 3
Information block about the term
Origin of destructive
First appearance:
before 1480 One of the 25% oldest English words
1480-90; < Middle French < Late Latin dēstructīvus, equivalent to Latin dēstruct(us) (see destruction) + -īvus -ive
Historical Comparancy
Parts of speech for Destructive
noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation
destructive popularity
A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 92% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.
Most Europeans know this English word. The frequency of it’s usage is somewhere between "mom" and "screwdriver".
destructive usage trend in Literature
This diagram is provided by Google Ngram ViewerSynonyms for destructive
adj destructive
- suicidal — pertaining to, involving, or suggesting suicide.
- deadly — If something is deadly, it is likely or able to cause someone's death, or has already caused someone's death.
- calamitous — If you describe an event or situation as calamitous, you mean it is very unfortunate or serious.
- hurtful — causing hurt or injury; injurious; harmful.
- pernicious — causing insidious harm or ruin; ruinous; injurious; hurtful: pernicious teachings; a pernicious lie.
adjective destructive
- devastating — If you describe something as devastating, you are emphasizing that it is very harmful or damaging.
- annihilative — Serving to annihilate; radically destructive.
- unhelpful — giving or rendering aid or assistance; of service: Your comments were very helpful.
- critical — If a person is critical or in a critical condition in hospital, they are seriously ill.
- disparaging — that disparages; tending to belittle or bring reproach upon: a disparaging remark.
Antonyms for destructive
adj destructive
- harmless — without the power or desire to do harm; innocuous: He looks mean but he's harmless; a harmless Halloween prank.
- healthful — conducive to health; wholesome or salutary: a healthful diet.
- wholesome — conducive to moral or general well-being; salutary; beneficial: wholesome recreation; wholesome environment.
- fortunate — having good fortune; receiving good from uncertain or unexpected sources; lucky: a fortunate young actor who got the lead in the play.
- assisting — to give support or aid to; help: Please assist him in moving the furniture.
adjective destructive
- constructive — A constructive discussion, comment, or approach is useful and helpful rather than negative and unhelpful.
- favourable — Pleasing, encouraging or approving.
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See also
Matching words
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