Langimage
English

obstructive

|ob/struc/tive|

C1

/əbˈstrʌktɪv/

(obstruct)

causing hindrance

Base FormPluralPresent3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleNounNoun
obstructobstructorsobstructsobstructsobstructedobstructedobstructingobstructionobstructiveness
Etymology
Etymology Information

'obstructive' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'obstructivus,' where 'ob-' meant 'against' and 'struere' meant 'to build.'

Historical Evolution

'obstructivus' transformed into the French word 'obstructif,' and eventually became the modern English word 'obstructive' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to build against or block,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'causing hindrance or obstruction.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

causing or tending to cause deliberate difficulties or hindrances.

The obstructive behavior of the committee delayed the project.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35