prescriptive

adjective

pre·​scrip·​tive pri-ˈskrip-tiv 

1

: serving to prescribe

prescriptive rules of usage

2

: acquired by, founded on, or determined by prescription or by long-standing custom

prescriptively adverb

Synonyms

• classical
• conventional
• customary
• traditional

Examples of prescriptive in a Sentence

Critics claim the new rules are too prescriptive.

even in this age of e-mail the prescriptive response to a wedding gift is a handwritten thank-you note

Recent Examples on the Web

In a recent interview, Manfred indicated that the ability to market the game by keeping starting pitchers – many of the game’s biggest stars – on the mound for extended periods – five or six innings —could not be done in a prescriptive way. —Maury Brown, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024

Rules governing what grape varieties are used are not as prescriptive as in Champagne, so winemakers celebrate and experiment with their regional varieties. —Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 9 Dec. 2024

So much of budgeting advice is prescriptive, Bryan-Podvin says. —Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 29 Oct. 2024

Ask for clear, prescriptive documentation to help your team implement APIs effectively. —Gegham Azatyan, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Legal Definition

prescriptive

adjective

pre·​scrip·​tive pri-ˈskrip-tiv 

1

: serving to prescribe

prescriptive rules

2

: acquired by, founded on, or constituting prescription

a prescriptive right

a longer prescriptive period