additive
A substance added to something in small quantities to improve, strengthen, or preserve it. It is most commonly used in the context of food processing, fuel production, and industrial manufacturing to enhance specific qualities like flavor, shelf life, or performance.
Examples
3 of 5Many processed snacks contain a food additive to keep them fresh for several months.
Many processed snacks contain a food additive to keep them fresh for several months.
The government has introduced stricter regulations regarding the use of every chemical additive in consumer products.
The government has introduced stricter regulations regarding the use of every chemical additive in consumer products.
I'm trying to cut down on treats that have a lot of artificial additives in them.
I'm trying to cut down on treats that have a lot of artificial additives in them.
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'add' + 'it' + 'ive'. It is something you 'add' to 'it' (the product) to make 'it' better or last longer.
Quick Quiz
The manufacturer claims that this juice contains no artificial _______ or preservatives.
Correct!
The correct answer is: additives
Examples
Many processed snacks contain a food additive to keep them fresh for several months.
everydayMany processed snacks contain a food additive to keep them fresh for several months.
The government has introduced stricter regulations regarding the use of every chemical additive in consumer products.
formalThe government has introduced stricter regulations regarding the use of every chemical additive in consumer products.
I'm trying to cut down on treats that have a lot of artificial additives in them.
informalI'm trying to cut down on treats that have a lot of artificial additives in them.
The study analyzes how the specific fuel additive influences the combustion efficiency of the engine.
academicThe study analyzes how the specific fuel additive influences the combustion efficiency of the engine.
Our latest product line features a unique additive that prevents paint from fading in direct sunlight.
businessOur latest product line features a unique additive that prevents paint from fading in direct sunlight.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
harmful additive
harmful additive
additive-free
additive-free
natural additive
natural additive
Often Confused With
'Addition' refers to the general act of adding or something added to a set, while 'additive' specifically refers to a substance added to a mixture to change its properties.
Usage Notes
Use this word when discussing technical or chemical components added to a base product. In health and nutrition contexts, it often refers to synthetic chemicals, though natural additives also exist.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'addition' when they should use 'additive' (e.g., saying 'this food has many additions' instead of 'additives').
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'add' + 'it' + 'ive'. It is something you 'add' to 'it' (the product) to make 'it' better or last longer.
Word Origin
From the Latin 'additicius', meaning 'added' or 'additional', derived from 'addere' (to add).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many Western countries, there is a growing consumer trend toward 'clean labels' and 'additive-free' foods due to health concerns regarding synthetic chemicals.
Quick Quiz
The manufacturer claims that this juice contains no artificial _______ or preservatives.
Correct!
The correct answer is: additives
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
proceed
C1The noun form, typically used in the plural 'proceeds,' refers to the total amount of money received from a particular event, sale, or activity. It is a formal term used in academic, legal, and business contexts to describe the result of a financial transaction or fundraising effort.
individual
C1Relating to a single person or thing as distinct from a group. It describes something that is intended for, or used by, one person rather than a collective entity.
appropriately
B2To perform an action in a manner that is suitable, right, or proper for a particular situation, person, or occasion. It implies following specific social norms, professional standards, or logical requirements.
region
B2A region is an area of land that has common features, such as geography, climate, or culture, which distinguish it from other areas. It can refer to a large part of a country or the world and is often used in administrative or scientific contexts to organize space.
resource
B2A stock or supply of money, materials, staff, and other assets that can be drawn on by a person or organization in order to function effectively. In academic and informational contexts, it refers to a source of information or expertise used to support research or learning.
to
A1Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.
and
A1A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.
a
A1A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.
that
A1This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.
I
A1The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.
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