Words / B1

uh-DIKT-iv/əˈdɪktɪv/

Addictive means hard to stop: an addictive game; highly addictive. Addiction is already in the dictionary; addict is the person. Habit-forming is a close twin, often on medicine labels. Do not call broccoli addictive as a joke in an exam essay — keep the word for genuine dependence or a strong pull. Addicted to is the person pattern.

Meaning

Making you want to do or take something again and again.

Examples

• “The game is addictive, so set a time limit before you start.”
• “The game is addictive, so set a timer before you start.”
• “Some painkillers are addictive if the dose is increased without advice.”

Good to know

highly addictive; addictive + noun. Person: addicted to; an addict. Noun: addiction. Label twin: habit-forming.

Near in meaning

habit-forming

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