The meaning of PRESCRIPTIVE is serving to prescribe. How to use prescriptive in a sentence.

PRESCRIPTIVE definition: 1. saying exactly what must happen, especially by giving an instruction or making a rule: 2…. Learn more.

PRESCRIPTIVE definition: that prescribes; giving directions or injunctions. See examples of prescriptive used in a sentence.

Definition of prescriptive adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

prescriptive (prɪˈskrɪptɪv) adj 1. making or giving directions, rules, or injunctions 2. sanctioned by long-standing usage or custom

There are seven meanings listed in OED's entry for the adjective prescriptive, two of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

giving directions or injunctions: a prescriptive letter from an anxious father. depending on or arising from effective legal prescription, as a right or title established by a long unchallenged tenure.

Prescriptive advice tells you what to do. When the doctor writes a prescription, he or she is telling you to get a particular drug and take it. Similarly, anything prescriptive involves telling people what to do. …

Dec 17, 2025 · prescriptive (comparative more prescriptive, superlative most prescriptive) Of or pertaining to prescribing or enjoining, especially an action or behavior based on a norm or standard. …

PRESCRIPTIVE meaning: 1 : giving exact rules, directions, or instructions about how you should do something; 2 : providing rules and opinions that tell people how language should be used