prescriptive — Relating to the imposition or enforcement of a rule or method; stating what should be done rather than describing what is actually done.
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: Relating to the imposition or enforcement of a rule or method; stating what should be done rather than describing what is actually done.
Pronunciation (IPA): /prɪˈskrɪptɪv/
Example Sentences
- My grandmother is so prescriptive about cooking that she scolds me for adding one extra pinch of salt.
- Some linguists argue that prescriptive rules, like 'never end a sentence with a preposition,' are outdated.
- The company's prescriptive dress code even specifies the exact shade of blue for shirts.
prescriptive
ADJECTIVE[/prɪˈskrɪptɪv/]
Relating to the imposition or enforcement of a rule or method; stating what should be done rather than describing what is actually done.
The old grammar teacher marks every casual phrase wrong, insisting on strict prescriptive rules.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'praescribere', meaning 'to write before/direct', combining 'prae-' (before) and 'scribere' (to write).
Breakdown
pre- (before) + script (write) + -ive (adjective suffix, having the quality of)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My grandmother is so prescriptive about cooking that she scolds me for adding one extra pinch of salt.”
“Some linguists argue that prescriptive rules, like 'never end a sentence with a preposition,' are outdated.”
“The company's prescriptive dress code even specifies the exact shade of blue for shirts.”
“Instead of being prescriptive, the new manager encouraged employees to find their own solutions.”
📚Related Words
Want to master 27,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.