restrictive

American  

[ri-strik-tiv] / rɪˈstrɪk tɪv /

adjective

1. tending or serving to restrict.

2. of the nature of a restriction.

3. expressing or implying restriction or limitation of application, as terms, expressions, etc.

4. Grammar. limiting the meaning of a modified element.

   a restrictive adjective.

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restrictive British  

/ rɪˈstrɪktɪv /

adjective

1. restricting or tending to restrict

2. grammar denoting a relative clause or phrase that restricts the number of possible referents of its antecedent. The relative clause in Americans who live in New York is restrictive; the relative clause in Americans, who are generally extrovert , is nonrestrictive

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Other Word Forms

• restrictively adverb
• restrictiveness noun
• unrestrictive adjective
• unrestrictively adverb

Etymology

Origin of restrictive

1375–1425; late Middle English < Middle French restrictif < Latin restrict ( us ) ( restrict ) + Middle French -if -ive

Example Sentences

Recent levels could be less restrictive than perceived because of housing market seasonality.

From Barron's

While above the Fed’s central estimate, it sends a similar signal: Policy is approaching neutrality but remains restrictive.

From MarketWatch

After time off, structure can feel restrictive, but Byrne says the opposite is true as "structure creates freedom".

From BBC

She said that at 3.5% to 3.75%, the Fed’s interest-rate target is still “a little restrictive,” meaning it is high enough to lean against inflation, which could eventually allow further cuts.

From The Wall Street Journal

Companies such as Google and OpenAI, which also operate AI image generators, have much more restrictive guidelines around content.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• definitive
• exclusive
• selective