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Preventative - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Preventative refers to actions or measures taken to stop something undesirable from happening. It is often used in contexts like health, safety, and maintenance to avoid future problems.

preventative

/prɪˈvɛntətɪv/ /prɪˈvɛntətɪv/

Definition:

Designed to stop something undesirable from happening, often referring to measures or actions.

Synonyms:

preventive, precautionary, protective, deterrent

Part of Speech:

adjective, noun

Antonyms:

causative, promoting

Common Collocations:

preventative measures, preventative care, preventative action, preventative maintenance

Derivatives:

preventatively, preventativeness

Usage Tips:

Use "preventative" as an adjective (e.g., "preventative steps") or a noun (e.g., "a good preventative").

Common Phrases:

an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, better safe than sorry

Etymology:

Derived from Latin *praeventus*, past participle of *praevenire* ("to come before").

Examples:

  • 1. Washing hands is a simple preventative against illness.
  • 2. The doctor recommended preventative care to avoid future health issues.
  • 3. Regular exercise serves as a preventative for heart disease.
  • 4. Schools use preventative measures to reduce bullying incidents.
  • 5. Vaccines are an effective preventative against many diseases.

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