What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
preventative
Example
Eating healthy and exercising regularly are preventative measures against heart disease. [preventative: adjective]
Example
The doctor recommended taking preventative action to avoid getting sick. [preventative: noun]
preventive
Example
The company implemented preventive measures to avoid data breaches. [preventive: adjective]
Example
Getting vaccinated is a preventive measure against the flu. [preventive: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Preventive is more commonly used than preventative in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between preventative and preventive?
Both preventive and preventative can be used in formal and informal contexts, but preventive is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts.
