Word: prohibitive (adjective)

Associations

The word "prohibitive" describes something that is very expensive or difficult to do because of high cost, rules, or conditions that stop or prevent something.

• The price of the new phone was prohibitive, so many people did not buy it. (Here, "prohibitive" means too expensive.)
• The laws were prohibitive, making it hard for small businesses to open. (Here, "prohibitive" means strict or preventing.)
• The cost of living in that city is prohibitive for many families. (Again, it means very expensive.)

Synonym: "expensive" is a common synonym when talking about cost. But "prohibitive" often means so expensive or difficult that it stops you from doing something, while "expensive" just means high price but not always stopping you.

Substitution

You can use words like:

• "too high" (The cost was too high for me.)
• "excessive" (The fees were excessive.)
• "restrictive" (The rules were restrictive.)
• "unaffordable" (The price was unaffordable.)

Each word changes the meaning slightly. "Prohibitive" often shows something is stopping you because of cost or rules.

Deconstruction

The root is "prohibit," which means "to forbid" or "to stop." The suffix "-ive" turns it into an adjective meaning "tending to prohibit" or "causing to stop."

So, "prohibitive" means something that acts like a barrier or stop sign, often because it is too expensive or strict.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when something was too expensive or difficult for you to do? Was it "prohibitive"?
• How do you feel when rules or costs prevent you from doing what you want?
• Can "prohibitive" be used for things other than money? How?