normative

[nawr-muh-tiv]

adjective

1. of or relating to a norm, especially an assumed norm regarded as the standard of correctness in behavior, speech, writing, etc.

2. tending or attempting to establish such a norm, especially by the prescription of rules.

   normative grammar.

3. reflecting the assumption of such a norm or favoring its establishment.

   a normative attitude.

normative

/ ˈnɔːmətɪv /

adjective

1. implying, creating, or prescribing a norm or standard, as in language

   normative grammar

2. expressing value judgments or prescriptions as contrasted with stating facts

   normative economics

3. of, relating to, or based on norms

Other Word Forms

• normatively adverb
• normativeness noun
• non-normative adjective
• unnormative adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of normative¹

First recorded in 1875–80; norm + -ative

Example Sentences

“The majority of posts presented a weight normative view of health, with less than 3% coded as weight-inclusive,” the study reported.

From Salon

As we have seen with Project 2025 and Agenda 47, they have a theory of human nature, a set of normative priors and beliefs, and a plan to remake society in that image.

From Salon

So it has tricky normative implications, in my view.”

From Salon

But this mentality — or to be more specific, what you aptly call Democrats’ “normative priors” — makes for purely reactive politics.

From Salon

This is not a normative claim; it is an evidence-based assessment of Trump’s impact on American society and the world and its historical trajectory.

From Salon