preceptive
Americanadjective
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of the nature of or expressing a precept; mandatory.
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giving instructions; instructive.
adjective
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of, resembling, or expressing a precept or precepts
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didactic
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of preceptive
First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English word from Latin word praeceptīvus. See precept, -ive
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.
In the investigation, I had learned, more distinctly than before, that the preceptive code of the Law was an essentially imperfect and temporary system, given "for the hardness of men's hearts."
From Phases of Faith Passages from the History of My Creed by Francis William Newman
For the reason just indicated, we think the common estimate of the actual influence of even the costliest preceptive sayings is monstrously exaggerated.
From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 11, No. 64, February, 1863 by Various
I have learned something,—'Help yourself' is a grand new principle: it is not a moral principle, but a preceptive formula.
From Villa Eden: The Country-House on the Rhine by Berthold Auerbach
If the distinction between the preceptive and providential will of God is to be overthrown, then providence must be expressive of God's approbative ordination, equally as his revealed will is.
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 The Reformed Presbytery
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 The Reformed Presbytery
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.
