restrictive

adjective

re·​stric·​tive ri-ˈstrik-tiv 

1

a

: of or relating to restriction

b

: serving or tending to restrict

restrictive regulations

2

: limiting the reference of a modified word or phrase

3

: prohibiting further negotiation

restrictive noun

restrictively adverb

restrictiveness noun

Did you know?

Restrictive covenants (that is, agreements) in real-estate deeds were once used to forbid the buyer from ever selling the property to anyone of another race. These are now illegal, though other kinds of restrictive covenants are very common; in some neighborhoods, they may even tell you what colors you can't paint your house. In grammar, a restrictive clause is one that limits the meaning of something that comes before it. In the sentence "That's the professor who I'm trying to avoid", "who I'm trying to avoid" is a restrictive clause, since it's what identifies the professor. But in the sentence "That's my History professor, who I'm trying to avoid", the same clause is nonrestrictive, since the professor has already been identified as "my History professor". There should always be a comma before a nonrestrictive clause, but not before a restrictive clause.

Examples of restrictive in a Sentence

In the sentence “The book that you ordered is out of print,” “that you ordered” is a restrictive clause.

Recent Examples on the Web

In February, Deutsche Bank introduced a restrictive remote work policy, banning staff from working remotely on a Friday followed by a consecutive Monday. —Byryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 18 June 2024

Fed officials say their policy is restrictive, but financial conditions are still easy. —Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 9 June 2024

Lee Mid-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans As someone with a strong distaste for tight and restrictive clothing, wider jeans are my preferred fit over skinnier styles. —Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 5 June 2024

Some women are more likely to benefit from a supplement, including: Those following restrictive diets: Those who follow vegetarian or vegan diets will need to supplement their diets with vitamin B12 and possibly other nutrients, such as iron and calcium, through fortified foods or supplements. —Sarah Anzlovar, Ms, Rd, Verywell Health, 4 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing restrictive

• restrictive clause

Kids Definition

restrictive

adjective

re·​stric·​tive ri-ˈstrik-tiv 

1

: serving or likely to restrict

2

: limiting the reference of a modified word or phrase

restrictive noun

restrictively adverb

restrictiveness noun

Legal Definition

restrictive

adjective

re·​stric·​tive ri-ˈstrik-tiv 

1

a

: of or relating to restriction

b

: serving or tending to restrict

2

: prohibiting further negotiation

restrictively adverb

restrictiveness noun