-ive
ɪv
-ive is already leaning toward doing it
The picture Not something sitting still, but something leaning forward, already moving to do that job. -ive is the side that goes out and does it; -able is the side that takes it in when pushed.
Where the picture shows up in -ive
-
not leaning yet
Your card is not active yet.
jʊr kɑːrd ɪz nɑːt ˈæktɪv jet
Your card hasn't been switched on yet.
You tap the card on the reader and the machine doesn't stir; the screen stays as it was.
act + -ive.
-
starts working the moment it lands
This medicine is very effective.
ðɪs ˈmedɪsɪn ɪz ˈveri ɪˈfektɪv
This medicine really works.
The swallowed pill gets to work inside the body straight away and the fever drops.
effect + -ive.
-
pulls a lot out of the wallet
The repair was expensive.
ðə rɪˈper wəz ɪkˈspensɪv
The repair cost a lot.
The repair bill reaches toward your wallet and pulls out a fistful of notes.
ex (out) + pend (weigh out) + -ive.
-
steps in front of the hand
Wear protective gloves in this room.
wer prəˈtektɪv ɡlʌvz ɪn ðɪs ruːm
Wear safety gloves in this room.
Before anything sharp can touch you, the glove steps out ahead of your hand and blocks it.
protect + -ive.
-
leans to make what isn't there
We need a more creative plan.
wiː niːd ə mɔːr kriˈeɪtɪv plæn
We need a fresher way to do this.
In front of a blank page, a hand is already moving to draw a shape that does not exist yet.
create + -ive.
All of it in one picture
-ive is one body leaning forward. A card leaning to work is active; medicine that starts working the moment it lands is effective. A price that reaches into your wallet and pulls out a fistful is expensive; gloves that step in front of your hands are protective; a mind leaning to make shapes that weren't there is creative. So with any -ive word, just ask what it is leaning forward to do.