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Preemptive vs Reactive - What's the difference?

preemptive | reactive |

As adjectives the difference between preemptive and reactive

is that preemptive is of or relating to preemption while reactive is that reacts or responds to a stimulus.

preemptive

English

Alternative forms

* * pre-emptive

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Of or relating to preemption.
  • Made so as to deter an anticipated unpleasant situation.
  • (bridge, of a high-level bid) Intended to interfere with an opponent's bidding.

    • Derived terms

    * preemptive strike * preemptively

    reactive

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • that reacts or responds to a stimulus
  • (chemistry) that readily takes part in reactions
    • francium is the most reactive of the alkali metals.
  • (electronics) Characterized by induction or capacitance rather than resistance.
  • Reacting to the past rather than anticipating the future, not predictive.

    • Derived terms

    * reactive armour * reactive arthritis * reactive centre * reactive depression * reactive distillation * reactive dye * reactive homeostasis * reactive hyperemia * reactive hypoglycemia * reactive intermediate * reactive ion etching * reactive lymphocyte * reactive schizophrenia * reactive search * reactive load

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