Restful / Restive

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 quite 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. 

© 2021 Ann Henry, all rights reserved.

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