Conductive
/kənˈdʌktɪv/
Definitions
2 meaningsHaving the property of conducting or transmitting something, especially heat or electricity.
/kənˈdʌktɪv/
Able to transmit energy (especially heat or electricity).
Silver is the most conductive element.
💡 Simply: Think of it like a highway for electricity or heat. If something's conductive, it means electricity or heat can travel through it easily, like when your metal spoon gets hot when you stir hot soup!
👶 For kids: Being able to let electricity or heat go through it. Like a metal wire that lets electricity go to a light bulb!
More Examples
The copper wires are highly conductive.
A conductive material will allow electricity to pass through it easily.
How It's Used
"Copper is a highly conductive metal used in electrical wiring."
"The material's conductive properties allowed for efficient heat transfer."
Tending to promote or encourage something; helpful.
/kənˈdʌktɪv/
Tending to promote or encourage; helpful.
A positive attitude is conductive to success.
💡 Simply: It means something helps make a certain result happen. Like a good study environment is 'conductive' to learning, meaning it helps you learn better. Imagine a sunny day is conductive to going to the park, it encourages you to go!
👶 For kids: Something that helps another thing happen. Like a warm sunny day that helps us want to go play outside.
More Examples
The calm environment was conductive to relaxation.
Her enthusiasm was conductive to the team's motivation.
How It's Used
"The new marketing strategy was conductive to increased sales."
"A relaxed atmosphere is conductive to creative thinking."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
From Late Latin *conductivus*, from Latin *conducere* ('to lead together, to bring together'), from *con-* ('with, together') + *ducere* ('to lead').
The term 'conductive' has been used in scientific contexts since the 18th century, initially related to the transmission of heat and later electricity.
Memory tip
Think of a conductor who 'conducts' electricity. The word is 'conductive' when a material can do the same.
Word Origin
"to lead together, to bring together"