VocabDictionary

invasive

/ɪnˈveɪ.sɪv/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.adjective

Tending to spread prolifically and undesirably or harmfully, especially in a biological or ecological context.

Example Sentences:
  • The park authorities are working to remove invasive weeds that are choking out the native wildflowers.
  • Kudzu is an invasive vine that can quickly cover entire trees and structures.
2.adjective

Relating to a medical procedure that involves the introduction of instruments or other objects into the body.

Example Sentences:
  • The surgeon recommended a less invasive procedure to minimize recovery time.
  • Doctors prefer non-invasive diagnostic tests whenever they are available.
3.adjective

Intruding upon or infringing on a person's privacy or personal life.

Example Sentences:
  • Many people find questions about their salary to be overly invasive.
  • The new security measures were criticized for being too invasive of the citizens' privacy.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “invasive”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'invasivus', from 'invadere' (to invade), which is composed of 'in-' (into) and 'vadere' (to go). It entered Middle English via the Old French 'invasif', originally describing military incursions before expanding to medical and biological contexts.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of an 'in-vase-ive' plant that grows so aggressively it breaks the vase it was planted in.

Frequently Asked Questions About “invasive

1. What is the meaning of “invasive” in English?

In English, invasive (adjective) is defined as: “Tending to spread prolifically and undesirably or harmfully, especially in a biological or ecological context.”.

2. How do you use “invasive” in a sentence?

The park authorities are working to remove invasive weeds that are choking out the native wildflowers.

3. What are English synonyms of “invasive”?

Common synonyms include:intrusive,encroaching,pervasive,trespassing

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “invasive”?

Derived from the Latin 'invasivus', from 'invadere' (to invade), which is composed of 'in-' (into) and 'vadere' (to go). It entered Middle English via the Old French 'invasif', originally describing military incursions before expanding to medical and biological contexts.