consultative
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of consultative
First recorded in 1575–85; consultat(ion) + -ive
Explanation
Consultative is an adjective that describes giving advice or assistance. Do people turn to you for advice about love? What about your expertise in helping job-seekers land their dream job? If so, then you are providing consultative services, whether you know it or not. You’re probably familiar with the verb consult, which means “get advice.” Consultative is just the adjective form of that verb. Consultative can be used to describe anything or anyone in the business of providing advice or counsel. It’s often used to refer to a formal group, such as a consultative committee that advises a government, or a company that provides consultative services in a particular area of expertise.
Vocabulary lists containing consultative
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The last time the idea of secession gained serious momentum was in 1993 when a consultative referendum saw 65 percent of residents support independence -- but the plan got mired in opposition from state officials.
From Barron's • Feb. 13, 2026
Promised by the end of 2025, a consultative panel on social media use promised by von der Leyen is now expected to be set up "early" this year.
From Barron's • Jan. 28, 2026
A spokesperson for Cosla, the group that represents local authorities, said it was disappointed that the teaching unions were progressing their consultative ballots.
From BBC • Nov. 11, 2025
The Royal College of Nursing is calling for talks with ministers over pay issues after a consultative ballot of members showed a large majority opposing the 3.6% pay award.
From BBC • Aug. 10, 2025
There was fear among the other organizations that the ANC would attempt to dominate it, and the committee’s rules were crafted so that its powers were purely consultative and its decisions not binding.
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
