restorative
reh-STOR-uh-tiv
/rɪˈstɔːrətɪv/
Having the ability to restore health, strength, or a feeling of well-being; in law, focused on repairing harm.
In a legal context, it refers to 'restorative justice', which emphasizes mediation between the victim and the offender.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'restaurare', meaning 'to rebuild' or 'to set up again'. It is the same root that gives us 'restaurant'—a place to 'restore' your energy with food.
Word relationships
- reparative: Reparative is specifically about fixing damage; restorative is broader, including the renewal of spirit or health.
- destructive: Destructive breaks things down; restorative builds them back up.
Commonly confused with
- restoration: Restoration is the noun for the act of fixing; restorative is the adjective describing the quality of the act.
Word family
- restore (verb): To bring back to a former condition.
Collocations
- restorative justice
- restorative powers
- restorative sleep
Example sentences
- "Restorative justice programs allow offenders to meet their victims and understand the impact of their actions." Criminal Justice
- "After a long week, she found the quiet of the mountains to be deeply restorative." Wellness
Memory hook
Think of a RESTAURANT that RESTORES your energy. Bringing back to a good state.
When not to use
Don't use it to mean 'fixing a machine'; it's almost always used for people, systems, or health.
Fun facts
- Restorative justice is heavily inspired by indigenous practices, such as the 'sentencing circles' used by First Nations peoples in Canada.
Related words
Explore more words
regenerative, restore, therapeutic, invigorate, restoration, rejuvenate
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