Pronunciation: [dɪstɹˈʌktɪv] (IPA) 
The word "destructive" is spelled phonetically as /dɪˈstrʌktɪv/. The first syllable "di" is pronounced as "dih" and the "s" in "struc" is pronounced as "st." The second syllable "tive" is pronounced as "tiv." This word refers to something that causes damage or harm. Understanding the phonetic transcription of words like "destructive" can help individuals with their pronunciation and communication skills.
The term "destructive" can be defined as an adjective used to characterize anything that has the capacity to cause damage, harm, or destruction. It refers to actions, behaviors, or events that lead to the dismantling, ruin, or loss of something. The destructive nature of a phenomenon, substance, or force is often associated with negative consequences or adverse effects.
In relation to physical form, destructive implies the ability to impair, demolish, or erode objects, structures, or landscapes. For instance, hurricanes, earthquakes, and tornadoes are natural disasters known for their destructive power, as they can devastate cities, demolish buildings, and create extensive damage. Similarly, some chemical reactions or agents can exhibit destructive properties by corroding metals, dissolving materials, or causing decay.
Beyond physical aspects, the term can also be applied to intangible aspects such as relationships, emotions, or behaviors. Destructive relationships refer to those that exhibit harmful dynamics, resulting in emotional or psychological harm to one or more individuals involved. Destructive behaviors, on the other hand, indicate actions that are detrimental to oneself or others, such as violence, addiction, or self-harm.
In summary, "destructive" encompasses any action, behavior, force or event that possesses the ability to cause significant damage, harm, or destruction, whether it pertains to physical, emotional, or psychological aspects.
Deadly; fatal; causing destruction; mischievous; wasteful.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "destructive" has its roots in the Latin word "destructivus", which is derived from the verb "destruere" meaning "to pull down, demolish, or destroy". The Latin word "destructivus" combines the prefix "de-" meaning "down" or "thoroughly" and "struere" meaning "to build" or "to pile up". Thus, the etymology of "destructive" suggests an act of tearing down or undoing something that has been built or assembled.
