Curative: Definition, Usage & Examples

Meaning 1：having healing power (curative)

curative 🔊

/ˈkjʊərətɪv/

adj.

Something that can cure an illness or make a sick person better.

Curative concept illustration: scientist analyzing plant extract for healing properties in a modern laboratory.

having healing power 🔊

➕

/ˈhævɪŋ ˈhiːlɪŋ ˈpaʊər/

adj.

Describes something possessing the ability to cure diseases or restore health.

📁 Category：Diet & Health 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'curare' (to care for) + suffix '-ative' (having the nature of).

💡 Mnemonic

Think of CURE + ACTIVE: something actively working to CURE you.

📖 Example

Scientists are searching for plants with curative properties to develop new medicines. 🔊 Researchers are looking for plants that have healing abilities in order to create new drugs.

🔗 Collocations

curative powers – the inherent ability to cure

curative effect – the healing result or impact

curative treatment – a therapy aimed at curing a disease

🔄 Synonyms

healing (adj.) – Having the property of restoring to health.

therapeutic (adj.) – Relating to the treatment of disease or aimed at healing.

remedial (adj.) – Affording a remedy; intended to correct or cure.

🚫 Antonyms

harmful (adj.) – Causing or capable of causing damage or injury.

injurious (adj.) – Causing or likely to cause damage or harm.

🌱 Derivatives

cure (v./n.) – To restore to health; a substance or treatment that cures.

curatively (adv.) – In a manner that cures or heals.

📖 Cultural Story

The term 'curative' entered English via Old French from Latin 'curativus,' itself from 'cura,' meaning 'care.' It reflects a long-standing emphasis in Western medicine on active intervention to restore health, as opposed to merely palliative care.