ENGLISH
REFERENCE

restrictive

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ɹiˈstɹɪktɪv// UK //ɹɪstɹˈɪktɪv// re·stric·tive

adj. limiting freedom, movement, or choice. You use this word when rules or conditions make something strict or narrow.

adj. imposing limits on freedom, movement, or choice; characterized by strict conditions or narrow scope.


SIMPLE

The new rules are very restrictive.

CONTEXTUAL

The company has a restrictive dress code that bans jeans and t-shirts.

COMPLEX

Critics argued that the restrictive trade policies stifled local innovation and protected only the largest domestic corporations.

Antonyms
Origin

From Middle French restrictif. Morphologically restrict + -ive.

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