destructive
UK/di'strʌktiv/US
IELTSTOEFLB1
Definitions
adj.
Causing great damage, harm, or ruin
破坏性的，毁灭性的
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedde-down, away, reversal
+
-ivetending to, having the nature of
=destructive
de- (down) + struct (build) + -ive (tending to) = "tending to un-build." Describes anything that tears down rather than builds up — a destructive storm, destructive criticism.
Root struct still carries 18 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.destructive behavior破坏性行为
- 2.destructive force破坏力
- 3.highly destructive具有高度破坏性
Example Sentences
- 1.
Jealousy can be a deeply destructive emotion.
- 2.
The hurricane was the most destructive storm in years.
Easily Confused
destructive vs constructive — they're direct opposites for feedback: destructive criticism tears you down, constructive criticism helps you build/improve. Same root struct, opposite prefixes (de- vs con-).