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Devastative: meaning, definitions and examples

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devastative

 

[ˈdɛvəˌsteɪtɪv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in a destructive manner

Causing great damage or destruction. Having a devastating effect or impact.

Synonyms

destructive, disastrous, ruinous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
devastative

This word is often used to describe something that causes severe and widespread destruction or harm.

  • The hurricane had a devastative effect on the coastal town
destructive

Pick this word when talking about something that causes damage or destruction, typically in a physical sense.

  • The earthquake was extremely destructive, leveling buildings and infrastructure
ruinous

Select this word to describe something that causes ruin or extreme financial loss, often with long-term negative effects. It has a somewhat negative connotation.

  • The company faced ruinous losses after the market crash
  • His gambling addiction proved to be ruinous for his family's finances
disastrous

This word is appropriate for situations that result in great harm, damage, or loss, not just physically but also in terms of plans or efforts gone wrong.

  • Their attempt to build a business together turned out to be disastrous
  • The flood had disastrous consequences for the entire region

Examples of usage

  • The hurricane had a devastative effect on the town.
  • The devastative fire destroyed acres of forest.
Context #2 | Adjective

in a severe or overwhelming manner

Overwhelmingly destructive or damaging. Extremely severe.

Synonyms

extreme, overwhelming, severe.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
devastative

Used to describe something that causes severe destruction or damage. Often used in the context of natural disasters, wars, or other catastrophic events.

  • The hurricane had a devastative impact on the coastal towns
  • The war left a devastative mark on the country
overwhelming

Indicates something so powerful or intense that it is difficult to handle or manage. Can be used for physical, emotional, or situational contexts.

  • The support from the community was overwhelming
  • He felt an overwhelming sense of relief
severe

Used to describe something very intense or serious, often in a negative way. Commonly applied to weather, health conditions, or disciplinary actions.

  • The patient was in severe pain
  • The region is expecting severe weather this weekend
extreme

Describes something at the highest, most intense, or furthest degree. It can be used in various contexts such as weather, behavior, or situations.

  • The extreme heat made it difficult to work outside
  • He took extreme measures to solve the problem

Examples of usage

  • The devastative consequences of the war were felt for generations.
  • The devastative power of the earthquake was beyond imagination.

Translations

Translations of the word "devastative" in other languages:

🇵🇹 devastador

🇮🇳 विनाशकारी

🇩🇪 verheerend

🇮🇩 menghancurkan

🇺🇦 спустошливий

🇵🇱 dewastujący

🇯🇵 壊滅的な

🇫🇷 dévastateur

🇪🇸 devastador

🇹🇷 yıkıcı

🇰🇷 파괴적인

🇸🇦 مدمر

🇨🇿 ničivý

🇸🇰 ničivý

🇨🇳 毁灭性的

🇸🇮 uničujoč

🇮🇸 eyðileggjandi

🇰🇿 құртатын

🇬🇪 გამანადგურებელი

🇦🇿 dağıdıcı

🇲🇽 devastador

Etymology

The word 'devastative' is derived from the verb 'devastate', which comes from the Latin 'devastare', meaning 'lay waste'. The term has been used in English since the 17th century to describe something that causes great destruction or damage.

See also: devastated, devastating, devastatingly, devastation, devastator.