descriptivist

[dih-skrip-tuh-vist] /dɪˈskrɪp tə vɪst/

Examples
Word Origin

noun

a writer, teacher, or supporter of descriptive grammar or descriptive linguistics.

adjective

of, relating to, or based on descriptive grammar or descriptive linguistics.

Origin of descriptivist

1950-1955

First recorded in 1950-55; descriptive + -ist

Related forms

descriptivism, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018.
Cite This Source

Examples from the Web for descriptivism

Contemporary Examples

And descriptivism may be the last refuge of the linguistic conservative after the former mistake has become the current rule.

Busted by The Language Cops David Frum April 30, 2012

British Dictionary definitions for descriptivism

descriptivism

/dɪˈskrɪptɪˌvɪzəm/

noun

(ethics) the theory that moral utterances have a truth value Compare prescriptivism, emotivism

Derived Forms

descriptivist, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Cite This Source

Discover our greatest slideshows

Browse more topics on our blog

What Is the Difference Between Discreet and Discrete?
Learn the correct uses of these two commonly confused homophones.
What Character Was Removed from the Alphabet?
What mistaken pronunciation gave this character its name?
Apostrophes 101
This small mark has two primary uses: to signify possession or omitted letters.
How Do I Get a Word into the Dictionary?
People invent new words all the time, but which ones actually make it?

descriptivist

descriptivism

Discover our greatest slideshows

Six words that can ruin your...

10 Of The Saddest Words (Or...

The Oldest Words In The English...

10 Words That Will Show Your Age

Browse more topics on our blog

Word of the Day

Nearby words for descriptivism

Word Value for descriptivism