corrective

UK: kəˈrɛktɪv | US: kəˈrɛktɪv

Definition
  1. adj. intended to correct or improve something

  2. n. something that corrects or counteracts a harmful or undesirable condition

Structure
correct <make right>ive <adjective/noun suffix>
Etymology

The word "corrective" derives from the Latin correctus, the past participle of corrigere ("to make straight, set right"), which combines com- (intensive prefix) + regere ("to guide, rule"). The suffix -ive (from Latin -ivus) forms adjectives indicating a tendency or function. Thus, "corrective" literally means "having the function of setting right." Over time, it evolved to describe both the action (adjective) and the means (noun) of rectifying errors or imbalances.

Examples
  1. The teacher used corrective feedback to help students improve their essays.

  2. This policy serves as a corrective to previous economic imbalances.

  3. Wearing braces is a common corrective measure for misaligned teeth.

  4. The government introduced corrective taxes to reduce pollution.

  5. His stern words acted as a corrective to their careless behavior.