restrictive

[ri-strik-tiv]

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.

restrictive

/ 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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of restrictive¹

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

Example Sentences

She voted for October’s rate cut but told reporters Saturday she is “hesitant” about further reductions because the current “mildly restrictive” rate setting may be needed to manage inflation.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Locals are then free to amend them, so long as they are “more restrictive.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"Forcing dedicated care workers to wait up to 15 years for settlement, and tying their future to restrictive criteria, will deter much-needed talent from staying in Scotland."

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New York Fed President John Williams called monetary policy “modestly restrictive” and said ‘I still see room for a further adjustment in the near term to the target range for the federal-funds rate.”

Read more on Barron's

"We have both legal aid provider deserts and restrictive eligibility criteria leaving many people stuck in limbo."

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Related Words

• definitive 
• exclusive 
• selective