Preventive vs Preventative

Last week, I got into a discussion with some maintenance professionals about the usage of two words: preventive and preventative.

Have you noticed that both words seem to be used interchangeably, with no obvious difference? It is common to see both forms of the word printed in documents, even in the SAME document. So, what is the right way to spell out PM? Do you know, or have a guess? Do you care?

We went round and round about the wording, and found some references that said it was OK to use either form. But, since then, we found this reference, which we like. Therefore, since this is our newsletter, it is the law. At least, inside of our pitiful little kingdom :). Check out the attitude on the definitive statement below:

from the Harper Dictionary of Contemporary Usage (1985) by William and Mary Morris

PREVENTIVE / PREVENTATIVE: 'Preventative' is not a correct word. The form does exist as a mistaken variant of 'preventive.' It is what linguists call 'an irregularly formed doublet' and should be avoided. It is listed in the 'Oxford English Dictionary' and some American dictionaries but 'preventive' is always given as the preferred form. The great English word expert H.W. Fowler remarked that "'preventative' is a needless lengthening of an established word, due to oversight or caprice." Perhaps Americans have fallen into the habit of using 'preventative' because of its similarity to 'representative,' but it represents a serious trend in American speech. The use of 'preventative' for 'preventive,' of 'filtrate' for 'filter,' of 'experimentalize' for 'experiment,' and of 'finalize' for 'end' seems to be a part of a trend toward the elimination of simple, precise words in favor of flowery, pretentious gobbledegook."

Wow! I think I know which word I will be using from now on.

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