Main Entry:

res·tive

Pronunciation:

\ˈres-tiv\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Middle English restyf, from Anglo-French restif, from rester to stop, resist, remain

Date:

15th century

1 : stubbornly resisting control : balky 2 : marked by impatience or uneasiness : fidgety

synonyms see contrary

— res·tive·ly adverb

— res·tive·ness noun