restrictive

UK: /rɪˈstrɪktɪv/ US: /rɪˈstrɪktɪv/ ,(ri strik′tiv)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

re•stric•tive /rɪˈstrɪktɪv/   adj. 

1. tending or serving to restrict.
2. Grammar of or being a word, phrase, or clause that identifies or limits the meaning of a modified element. In English a restrictive clause is usually not set off by commas.

re•stric•tive•ness, n. [uncountable]

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

re•stric•tive  (ri strik′tiv), adj. 

1. tending or serving to restrict.
2. of the nature of a restriction.
3. expressing or implying restriction or limitation of application, as terms, expressions, etc.
4. Grammar limiting the meaning of a modified element:
   a restrictive adjective.

• Latin restrict(us) (see restrict) + Middle French -if -ive
• Middle French restrictif
• late Middle English 1375–1425

re•stric′tive•ly, adv. 
re•stric′tive•ness, n. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

restrictive / rɪˈstrɪktɪv/ adjective

1. restricting or tending to restrict
2. denoting a relative clause or phrase that restricts the number of possible referents of its antecedent. The relative clause in Americans who live in New York is restrictive; the relative clause in Americans, who are generally extrovert, is nonrestrictive

reˈstrictively adverb

reˈstrictiveness noun