adjective
salutary
SAL-yuh-ter-ee/ˈsæljəteri/
Producing a beneficial or corrective effect.
The therapist's salutary guidance helps the man practice the step with better knee alignment.
Etymology
The health in salus explains the original sense “healthful” or “healing.” That idea broadened to beneficial effects generally, including corrective effects rather than just physical healing.
In context
He described the assassination as a salutary act undertaken in the public interest, not the rash deed of a lunatic
More examples
- Regular breaks have a salutary effect on our concentration.
- The inspection provides a salutary reminder to check our equipment.
- Her honest criticism proves salutary, prompting us to revise the proposal.
Similar words
- beneficial
- Emphasizes positive results without necessarily suggesting correction or a lesson.
- corrective
- Specifically addresses faults or problems rather than benefits generally.
- healthful
- Specifically promotes health rather than broader benefits or corrective lessons.