prohibitive - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
prohibitive Word Meanings
- tending to prohibit or restrain
- excessively high in price
- creating limitations or barriers
prohibitive Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
prohibitive Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/prəˈhɪb.ɪ.tɪv/
US
/proʊˈhɪb.ɪ.tɪv/
prohibitive Word Etymology
pro- = for, prohibitive = to restrain; from Latin 'prohibere' meaning 'to hold back'. Imagine a gate that prevents entry, signifying how prohibitive measures keep things out, like fences around a garden.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Prohibitive describes something that tends to prohibit or restrain, especially when rules, costs, or barriers make action impractical. It covers both formal restrictions (prohibitive regulations) and tangible obstacles (a prohibitive price) that keep people from participating. The word comes from the Latin prohibere, meaning to hold back, so it evokes a gate or barrier that blocks entry. In usage, you can speak of prohibitive costs, prohibitive rules, or prohibitive licenses to convey that an option is effectively out of reach. Note that it often carries a judgment: something is not just difficult, it is discouragingly hard or impossible to pursue.
Usage Reminders
- Use with prices or rules to stress high barriers
- Follow with nouns like price, cost, measures, or entry
- Often implies judgment or criticism
- Avoid mixing with neutral verbs like 'prevent' without nuance
- Pair with nouns that can be effectively blocked or priced out
- Prefer adjectives like prohibitive when the impact is strong
Common Misconceptions
- Prohibitive means 'very expensive' only, not about restrictions
- Confusing with 'forbidden' or 'prohibited'
- Thinking it applies to occasional cases rather than persistent barriers
- Using it with verbs rather than nouns (prohibitive to entering) is incorrect
- Assuming it always has a negative moral judgment
Thinking Differences
Native English speakers often associate prohibitive with strong barriers or costs and may use it in formal or opinionated contexts; learners sometimes overextend to mean merely expensive, or misplace it with 'preventive' or 'prohibiting' in wrong collocations.
Learning Tips
- Pair with nouns that take concrete barriers (cost, price, regulation)
- Notice its formal tone and position before the noun
- Compare with 'restrictive' for milder limitations
- Use in contexts describing access being blocked
- Practice with both price and policy examples
- Avoid using with vague phrases like 'very' without object
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'prohibitive'?
A.Restricting or forbidding something
B.Engaged in discussion
C.Managing a group of people
D.Enjoying a meal
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'prohibitive' used correctly?
A.She was happy to receive a prohibitive gift.
B.He ran a prohibitive distance in the race.
C.The cost of the medication was prohibitive for many patients.
D.They decided to prohibitive the new law in the city.
Step 3: Similar Words
What is a synonym for 'prohibitive'?
A.Encouraging
B.Permissive
C.Allowing
D.Exorbitant
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is an antonym for 'prohibitive'?
A.Mandatory
B.Essential
C.Required
D.Unrestricted
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context would the term 'prohibitive' be used?
A.Discussing a favorite movie
B.Talking about favorite foods
C.Referring to expensive concert tickets
D.Describing a snowy day
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