prescriptive
adjective
that prescribes; giving directions or injunctions.
prescriptively
-
a word derived from
prescriptive.
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.
But when you approach restaurant visits prescriptively, you miss out on critical touch points with the staff that help build rapport.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 3, 2026
We promptly fled to another coffee shop — which played prescriptively gentle jazz — where we “soothed” our nerves over another round of caffeinated beverages.
From Salon ● Nov. 13, 2023
“We sort of prescriptively said, ‘Pull your navel to your spine,’ ” she said, referring to the common exercise instruction.
From Washington Post ● Nov. 12, 2021
“I think the minute you write prescriptively, it loses power,” he said.
From New York Times ● Nov. 15, 2019
As for his formal and nominal studentship in the Inns of Court, that merely serves prescriptively to qualify him for his call to the bar.
From Chambers's Edinburgh Journal, No. 461 Volume 18, New Series, October 30, 1852 by William Chambers
