Definition of PRESCRIPTIVE (original) (raw)
1
: serving to prescribe
prescriptive rules of usage
2
: acquired by, founded on, or determined by prescription or by long-standing custom
Synonyms
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See all Example Sentences for prescriptive
Word History
First Known Use
1663, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of prescriptive was in 1663
Dictionary Entries Near prescriptive
Cite this Entry
“Prescriptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prescriptive. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
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Last Updated: 23 Dec 2024 - Updated example sentences
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