Devastative

/ˈdevəsteɪtɪv/ adjective

Definition

An alternative adjective form meaning capable of causing devastation or extremely destructive in nature.

Etymology

From devastate + -ive (adjective-forming suffix from Latin). While 'devastating' is more common, 'devastative' follows the standard English pattern of creating adjectives from verbs.

Kelly Says

Though 'devastating' is the standard form, 'devastative' appears in older texts and specialized writing, showing how English sometimes has multiple correct forms that slowly get winnowed down—like natural selection for grammar!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.