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Retroactive vs Reactive - What's the difference?

retroactive | reactive |

As adjectives the difference between retroactive and reactive

is that retroactive is extending in scope, effect, application or influence to a prior time or to prior conditions while reactive is that reacts or responds to a stimulus.

retroactive

English

Adjective

(-)
  • Extending in scope, effect, application or influence to a prior time or to prior conditions

    • Related terms

    * retroaction * retroactively

    See also

    *ex post facto *retrospective

    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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