Word
contraceptive
Phoneticscon·tra·cep·tive, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌkɑntɹəˈsɛptɪv/
UK/kˌɒntɹəsˈɛptɪv/
Countable noun Medicine
Definition
n. a method or device used to prevent a woman from becoming pregnant. You use this when you want to plan when to have children.
n. a device, drug, or chemical agent used to prevent pregnancy during or after sexual intercourse.
Examples
“The doctor discussed different types of contraceptives with the patient.”
“Public health clinics often provide free contraceptives and advice on family planning to the local community.”
“The development of the oral contraceptive pill in the mid-twentieth century fundamentally altered social structures by allowing individuals greater autonomy over their reproductive choices.”
Examples
simple
“The doctor discussed different types of contraceptives with the patient.”
contextual
“Public health clinics often provide free contraceptives and advice on family planning to the local community.”
complex
“The development of the oral contraceptive pill in the mid-twentieth century fundamentally altered social structures by allowing individuals greater autonomy over their reproductive choices.”
Usage
Often used in the plural when referring to the general category of birth control methods.
Real-World Examples
“She has been advised to take a hormonal contraceptive to help slow monthly tissue growth and lessen the pain.” “But, among women taking the contraceptive pill, the preference switched.” Etymology
Coined in the 20th century from contra- + conceptive; compare the related contraception.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/contraceptive