preceptive

American  

[pri-sep-tiv] / prɪˈsɛp tɪv /

adjective

1. of the nature of or expressing a precept; mandatory.

2. giving instructions; instructive.

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preceptive British  

/ prɪˈsɛptɪv /

adjective

1. of, resembling, or expressing a precept or precepts

2. didactic

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Other Word Forms

• preceptively adverb
• unpreceptive adjective
• unpreceptively adverb

Etymology

Origin of preceptive

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English word from Latin word praeceptīvus. See precept, -ive

Example Sentences

But, moreover, all such providential magistrates are also preceptive.

From Act, Declaration, & Testimony for the Whole of our Covenanted Reformation, as Attained to, and Established in Britain and Ireland; Particularly Betwixt the Years 1638 and 1649, Inclusive by Presbytery, The Reformed

Hence the present epistle differs strikingly in its preceptive part from the other two.

From Companion to the Bible by Barrows, E. P. (Elijah Porter)

Hence it must be concluded, either that the preceptive will of God in the scriptures is imperfect, or the laws therein repealable by providence; or then that providence cannot be the rule of human actions.

From Act, Declaration, & Testimony for the Whole of our Covenanted Reformation, as Attained to, and Established in Britain and Ireland; Particularly Betwixt the Years 1638 and 1649, Inclusive by Presbytery, The Reformed

On the contrary, Prudence is preceptive, according to Ethic. vi, 10.

From Summa Theologica, Part II-II (Secunda Secundae) Translated by Fathers of the English Dominican Province by Thomas, Aquinas, Saint

All will depend on the character of the law, whether it is penal or preceptive, and if preceptive, whether it obliges in virtue of legal or of commutative justice.

From Moral Theology A Complete Course Based on St. Thomas Aquinas and the Best Modern Authorities by Callan, Charles Jerome