Word
preventative
Phoneticspre·ven·ta·tive, stress on the second syllable
US/pɹiˈvɛntətɪv/
UK/pɹɪvˈɛntətˌɪv/
Definition
adj. used to stop something bad from happening before it starts. You use this to describe medicine, rules, or actions that keep you safe or healthy.
adj. intended to keep something from happening, especially something undesirable like disease or accidents. Often used attributively before a noun.
Examples
“Regular exercise is a great preventative measure for many health issues.”
“The company installed new software as a preventative step against future cyber attacks.”
“Public health officials argue that investing in preventative care significantly reduces the long-term financial burden on the national healthcare system by catching chronic conditions early.”
Examples
simple
“Regular exercise is a great preventative measure for many health issues.”
contextual
“The company installed new software as a preventative step against future cyber attacks.”
complex
“Public health officials argue that investing in preventative care significantly reduces the long-term financial burden on the national healthcare system by catching chronic conditions early.”
Usage
Often used interchangeably with 'preventive'; both are correct, though 'preventive' is more common in academic writing.
Real-World Examples
“The strategy aims to target organised retail crime, implement an offender management programme and to establish preventative measures.” “Any extra precautions or preventative measures will be implemented if needed, it says.” “The study identifies 10 principles of best practice for safeguarding children affected by violence, including approaches that are child-centered, trauma-informed, anti-discriminatory and preventative.” Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- 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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