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Definition of destructively

destructively

/dɪˈstrʌktɪvli/
de · struc · tive · ly
Adjective:destructive
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destructively Lexical Profile

destructively Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In a manner that causes great and irreparable physical damage, ruin, or devastation.

Example

"The invasive beetles spread destructively through the ancient pine forest, killing thousands of trees within a single season."

2

In a way that is negative, unhelpful, or harmful to psychological well-being, relationships, or progress, rather than promoting improvement.

Example

"Instead of offering helpful suggestions to improve the draft, the reviewer criticized the author's work destructively."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for destructively

• Nearby Words

destructible
destruction
destructive
destructively
destructiveness
destructor
detach

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed from the adjective 'destructive' plus the adverbial suffix '-ly'. 'Destructive' derives from Late Latin 'destructivus', from Latin 'destructus', the past participle of 'destruere' ('to tear down, demolish'), from 'de-' (un-, down) and 'struere' (to pile up, build).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Destructively. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/destructively
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