Preventive vs. Preventative: Which is Correct?

Preventive and preventative are two words with the same meaning, and they both relate to actions taken to prevent or stop something undesirable from happening.

Preventive:

Regular exercise is considered a preventive measure against heart disease.
Vaccination is an important preventive strategy to control the spread of infectious diseases.

Preventative:

Installing a security system is a preventative step to reduce the risk of burglary.
The government implemented several preventative policies to mitigate the impact of the economic crisis.

What does preventive mean?

Preventive is an adjective used to describe actions, measures, or strategies that are taken to prevent something from occurring.

Example sentences

Regular exercise is a preventive measure for maintaining good health.
Vaccinations are a key part of preventive healthcare

What does preventative mean?

Preventative serves the same purpose as "preventive" and is an adjective used to describe actions taken to prevent something.

Example sentences

Brushing your teeth regularly is a preventative measure against cavities.
The government implemented a preventative policy to reduce crime rates.

How to pronounce preventive and preventative?

In American English, "preventive" is pronounced "pruh·ven·tuhv." In British English, "preventive" is pronounced "pruh·ven·tuhv."

In American English, "preventive" is pronounced "pree·ven·tuh·tiv." In British English, "preventive" is pronounced "pruh·ven·tuh·tuhv."

By looking at the Ngram graph below, we can see that there is a difference in the use of "preventive" and "preventative." "Preventive" occurs more frequently. Ngram Graph is a graph that accounts for all records of these two words in written context.

Common idioms/phrases

While there are no specific idiomatic expressions involving these terms, they are commonly used in phrases to describe actions and strategies aimed at prevention.

Take preventive/preventative measures: This phrase means to take steps or precautions to avoid or minimize potential problems or risks. For example, "In order to avoid accidents, it's important to take preventive measures like wearing a seatbelt."
Preventive/Preventative care: This term refers to medical or healthcare services and actions that are designed to prevent illnesses or health issues before they occur. For instance, "Regular check-ups and vaccinations are part of preventive care."
Preventive/Preventative action: This phrase is often used in the context of quality control and risk management in various industries. It describes proactive steps taken to prevent issues or errors in processes or products.
Preventive/Preventative maintenance: This expression refers to regularly scheduled maintenance tasks performed on machinery, equipment, or vehicles to prevent breakdowns or failures.
Preventive/Preventative medicine: This term is used in the field of healthcare to describe medical practices and interventions that aim to prevent diseases or health problems before they develop.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure: While not an idiom using "preventive" or "preventative," this saying emphasizes the importance of taking preventive measures. It means that it's easier and more effective to prevent a problem than to deal with its consequences.

More example sentences

Regular exercise is a preventive/preventative measure for maintaining good health.
The dentist recommended using a preventive/preventative mouthwash to reduce the risk of cavities.
Vaccinations are a key preventive/preventative strategy in public health.
The company invests in preventive/preventative maintenance to keep their machinery running smoothly.
She adopted a preventive/preventative approach to cybersecurity by regularly updating her passwords.
Preventive/Preventative healthcare measures can significantly reduce healthcare costs in the long run.
The government introduced a series of preventive/preventative policies to mitigate the impact of climate change.
The school implemented preventive/preventative measures to create a safe and respectful learning environment.
Adequate sleep and stress management are essential preventive/preventative practices for mental health.
He emphasized the importance of a preventive/preventative lifestyle, focusing on healthy habits and wellness.