What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
proactive
Example
She is a proactive manager who always looks for ways to improve the team's performance. [proactive: adjective]
Example
The company implemented proactive measures to prevent cyber attacks. [proactive: noun]
preventive
Example
The vaccine is a preventive measure against the spread of the disease. [preventive: adjective]
Example
The government implemented preventive policies to reduce crime rates. [preventive: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Preventive is more commonly used than proactive in everyday language. Preventive is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while proactive is less common and often used in specific contexts such as management or problem-solving.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between proactive and preventive?
Both proactive and preventive can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, proactive may be more commonly used in professional or academic settings, while preventive can be used in both personal and professional contexts.
