Certain sets of words in the English language tend to confuse people. I have found the following to be among them:
RESTFUL / RESTIVE
These two adjectives sound as though they should be similar in meaning but in fact are basically opposite. The word restful means quiet; serene; promoting rest whereas restive means impatient or fidgety; ill at ease.
INCORRECT: I find a day at the spa to be quite restive.
CORRECT: I find a day at the spa to be quite restful.
ALSO CORRECT: The soldiers were restive the night before battle.
© 2020 Ann Henry, all rights reserved.