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.
This year's gathering begins on Wednesday with the start of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, a political advisory body.
From Barron's • Mar. 2, 2026
Military Maritime Consultative Agreement meeting included about 18 military and civilian personnel from each side and it was the first time since 2019 that it was held in person.
From Seattle Times • Apr. 16, 2024
Military Maritime Consultative Agreement talks in the spring.
From Washington Times • Dec. 21, 2023
Mr Hui, who has been a Communist Party member for more than three decades, was elected in 2008 as a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.
From BBC • Sep. 29, 2023
The Act provided that the Department should be assisted in its work by a Council of Agriculture and two Boards, and also by a Consultative Committee to advise upon educational questions.
From Ireland In The New Century by Plunkett, Horace Curzon, Sir
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.
