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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of normative¹

First recorded in 1875–80; norm + -ative

Example Sentences

Recent studies, including our own, have shown that when we use AI for guidance, our interests become more normative and less diverse.

From Salon

“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