a. (sb.) [An analogical formation from CONDUCE v., after conduct, conductive, and such words as abus-ive, possess-ive, invent-ive, formed on L. ppl. stem. See -IVE.]
A. adj.
1. Having the quality of conducing or tending to (a specified end, purpose, or result); fitted to promote or subserve. Const. to († for, towards).
1646. R. Overton, in A. Seller’s Hist. Passive Obed. (1689), 59. No more … than is conducive to a better being, more safety, and freedom.
1726. Shelvocke, Voy. round W., 223. To frame such Articles as would be most Conducive to their own interest.
1803. Med. Jrnl., IX. 33. Early rising is conducive to health. Ibid., IX. 408. Most conducive for the preservation of both mother and fetus.
1865. Livingstone, Zambesi, i. 35. A dull place, and very conducive to sleep.
1884. Manch. Exam., 22 May, 5/2. A treaty … highly conducive to French interests.
† 2. Advantageous, serviceable, beneficial; CONDUCIBLE 2. Obs. rare.
1710. T. Fuller, Pharm. Extemp., 96. A Cephalic Draught … is highly conducive in Idiopathic Convulsive Ilneses.
B. sb. That which conduces to an end or purpose. Const. to († of).
1793. Sir S. Smith, in Ld. Auckland’s Corr. (1862), III. 152. The sight of our convoy … gave us new spirits, which are an essential conducive of health.
1844. Mary Howitt, My Uncle, iii. One of the … greatest conducives to health.
