adj · neutral
protective
/prəˈtɛk.tɪv/pro·TEC·tive
Band 6-7task1task2speaking
intended to keep someone or something safe from harm
Examples
“Wearing a helmet is a protective measure for cyclists.”
“Parents can be overly protective, which limits children's independence.”
“The coating acts as a protective layer against corrosion.”
Band 8 sentence
“Effective public health policy combines protective measures with clear communication to ensure community compliance.”
Collocations
- protective measures
- protective layer/coating
- be protective of someone
Word family
protect vprotection nprotective adjprotectively adv
Common mistakes
He is protective to his sister.→He is protective of his sister.
This paint is protect.→This paint is protective / This paint protects.
Say it for a higher band
5safe→6guarded→7+protective
Synonyms
guarded
defensive
Easily confused
defensive
“He became defensive as soon as his work was criticised.”
Related words
Learn this word with the rest of its set, and get reminded at the right time.
In -ive
Learn it with its set