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

The watchdog said parental controls for the games appear to default to a less restrictive version that enables minors to make in-game purchases.

From The Wall Street Journal

Economists estimate that cumulatively restrictive immigration policies are impacting the job market and economic growth.

From Barron's

Monetary policy risks, he said, could become overly restrictive if the Fed fails to account for supply-side gains.

From Barron's

Paulson noted that the current federal-funds rate is “a little restrictive” and suggested further easing would be appropriate under certain conditions.

From Barron's

On the ground in Bosnia, we were handicapped daily by extremely contradictory and restrictive orders written back in the U.N.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• definitive
• exclusive
• selective