different between cataclysmic vs destructive

English

Etymology

From cataclysm +? -ic.

Adjective

cataclysmic (comparative more cataclysmic, superlative most cataclysmic)

1. Of or pertaining to a cataclysm; causing great destruction or upheaval; catastrophic.

   It is believed that a cataclysmic impact caused the extinction of the dinosaurs.

   • 2005, Edmund White, My Women

     That’s why to be rejected in love was so cataclysmic: one had been judged and found wanting.

Related terms

• cataclysm
• cataclysmic variable star

Translations

English

Etymology

From Middle French destructif, from Latin destructivus, from past participle of destruere (“to tear down, destroy”) + -ivus.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /d??st??kt?v/, /d??st??kt?v/

Adjective

destructive (comparative more destructive, superlative most destructive)

1. Causing destruction; damaging.
2. Causing breakdown or disassembly.

3. (computing) Lossy; causing irreversible change.

Synonyms

• calamitous
• catastrophic
• devastating
• disastrous
• eradicative
• harmful
• pernicious
• ruinous
• wrackful
• wreckful

Antonyms

• constructive
• nondestructive, non-destructive
• productive

Derived terms

Related terms

Translations

French

Adjective

destructive

1. feminine singular of destructif

Latin

Adjective

d?str?ct?ve

1. vocative masculine singular of d?str?ct?vus