Contraceptive Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆ
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contraceptive

[หŒkษ’ntrษ™หˆsษ›ptษชv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

family planning

A contraceptive is a device or drug that prevents conception.

Synonyms

birth control, family planning method.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
contraceptive

Same as the first 'contraceptive', with usage in medical contexts.

  • The clinic provides various contraceptive methods
birth control

A commonly used term in everyday language that refers to any method used to prevent pregnancy. It's broader and can include pills, condoms, etc.

  • She started taking birth control pills to manage her menstrual cycle
family planning method

This term is used in discussions about planning and managing the number of children in a family. It is often used by healthcare professionals and in informative contexts.

  • They discussed different family planning methods with their healthcare provider

Examples of usage

  • Birth control pills are a popular contraceptive method.
  • Condoms are commonly used as contraceptives.
Context #2 | Adjective

related to preventing pregnancy

Contraceptive measures are important for responsible family planning.

Synonyms

birth control, preventive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
contraceptive

This term is often used in medical or scientific discussions. It can refer to any device, medication, or method that is used to prevent pregnancy.

  • The doctor discussed various contraceptive options with her.
  • The clinic provides information on different types of contraceptives.
birth control

Commonly used in everyday conversation to refer to methods or devices used to prevent pregnancy. It is a general term that is widely understood by the general public.

  • She decided to go on birth control after consulting with her physician.
  • There are many forms of birth control available today.
preventive

This term is broader and refers to any measure taken to prevent something undesirable, not specifically pregnancy. It can be used in various contexts, such as in health (preventive care), safety (preventive measures), etc. It is not specific to contraception.

  • Vaccination is a preventive measure against many diseases.
  • They installed a fire alarm as a preventive step.

Examples of usage

  • The use of contraceptive devices has helped in controlling population growth.
  • There are various contraceptive options available for women.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The concept of preventing pregnancy dates back thousands of years, with ancient Egypt using various herbal mixtures and other methods.
  • In ancient Greece, the philosopher Aristotle believed that certain plants could help prevent pregnancy.
  • The first recorded use of a condom was in the 16th century, believed to be made from animal intestines.

Science

  • Hormonal contraceptives work by releasing hormones to inhibit ovulation, making it less likely for a woman to conceive.
  • Barrier methods, like condoms, can also protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in addition to preventing pregnancy.
  • Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), such as IUDs, can prevent pregnancy for several years without requiring daily attention.

Cultural Impact

  • Access to contraceptives has been linked to women's empowerment and improved education outcomes across the globe.
  • In the 1960s, the introduction of the birth control pill sparked debates about sexuality and gender roles, reshaping societal norms.
  • Campaigns for contraceptive access have been a critical part of public health discussions, advocating for rights and choices.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and TV shows often explore themes of reproductive choices, with stories highlighting the struggles and societal pressures regarding birth control.
  • The phrase 'safe sex' became popular in the 1980s as part of efforts to advocate for condom use to prevent both pregnancy and STIs.
  • Famous figures like Margaret Sanger campaigned for birth control access, becoming prominent symbols in the fight for women's health.

Psychology

  • Research indicates that access to contraceptives can lead to lower levels of stress and anxiety in individuals in relation to unintended pregnancies.
  • Awareness of contraceptive options is often linked to improved relationship satisfaction, as partners can communicate their preferences.
  • Feelings toward contraceptives can be influenced by cultural beliefs and personal values, affecting how individuals make reproductive choices.

Origin of 'contraceptive'

The term 'contraceptive' originated in the mid-19th century, combining the Latin roots 'contra-' (against) and 'conceptio' (conception). The concept of contraception has been practiced throughout history in various forms, but modern contraceptive methods have evolved significantly over time to provide more effective and convenient options for family planning.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,641, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.