preceptive
Americanadjective
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of the nature of or expressing a precept; mandatory.
-
giving instructions; instructive.
adjective
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of, resembling, or expressing a precept or precepts
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didactic
Other Word Forms
Derived 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.
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 Auerbach, Berthold
Rubrics, directive and preceptive, in administration of the Sacraments, 2669 c.
From Moral Theology A Complete Course Based on St. Thomas Aquinas and the Best Modern Authorities by Callan, Charles Jerome
If no distinction is to be made between the preceptive and providential will of God, but providence is declarative of the precept, then is providence a complete rule without the written word.
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
He answered, "All power is ordained of God by his provident will, but every power assumed by man is not so by his approbative and preceptive will."
From Biographia Scoticana (Scots Worthies) A Brief Historical Account of the Lives, Characters, and Memorable Transactions of the Most Eminent Scots Worthies by Howie, John
It is the abstract, preceptive, and barren form, and the presumptuous manner in which these are presented that they detest.
From Children and Their Books by Penniman, James Hosmer
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.
