de·trac·tive \-ktiv, -tēv also -təv\adjective Etymology: Middle French detractif, from Latin detractus + Middle French -if -ive 1.: tending to detract : given to detraction < detractive influences on the volume of foreign investment > 2.: defamatory, calumnious • de·trac·tive·ly\-tə̇vlē\adverb