Preventive Meaning in English

word

US

pɹiˈvɛnɪv/, /pɹiˈvɛntɪv/, /pɹɪˈvɛnɪv/, /pɹɪˈvɛntɪv

pri-VEN-tiv

UK

pɹɪvˈɛntɪv

pri-VEN-tiv

Definition

Something done to stop something bad from happening, especially illness or problems, before they start.

Usage & Nuances

Mainly used in medical or formal contexts: 'preventive care,' 'preventive measures.' Often interchangeable with 'preventative.' Typically describes actions taken before a possible problem, not solutions for existing problems.

• Spanish: preventivo - profiláctico
• Portuguese (BR): preventivo - profilático
• Portuguese (PT): preventivo - profilático
• Chinese (Simplified): 预防性的
• Chinese (Traditional): 預防性的
• Hindi: प्रतिरोधात्मक
• Arabic: وقائي
• Bengali: প্রতিরোধমূলক
• Russian: профилактический
• Japanese: 予防的
• Vietnamese: phòng ngừa
• Korean: 예방의 - 예방적인
• Turkish: önleyici
• Urdu: احتیاطی - حفاظتی
• Indonesian: pencegahan

Example Sentences

Doctors recommend preventive check-ups every year.

basic

Washing your hands is a preventive step against illness.

basic

The vaccine is a preventive medicine.

basic

We're taking preventive measures to avoid further damage.

natural

Good sleep can have a preventive effect on many illnesses.

natural

He likes to take a preventive approach rather than wait for problems to appear.

natural