normative

[ nawr-muh-tiv ]

adjective

1. of or relating to a norm, especially an assumed norm regarded as the standard of correctness in behavior, speech, writing, etc.
2. tending or attempting to establish such a norm, especially by the prescription of rules:

   normative grammar.

3. reflecting the assumption of such a norm or favoring its establishment:

   a normative attitude.

normative

/ ˈnɔːmətɪv /

adjective

1. implying, creating, or prescribing a norm or standard, as in language

   normative grammar

2. expressing value judgments or prescriptions as contrasted with stating facts

   normative economics

3. of, relating to, or based on norms

Derived Forms

• ˈnormatively, adverb
• ˈnormativeness, noun

Other Words From

• non-nor·ma·tive adjective
• nor·ma·tive·ly adverb
• nor·ma·tive·ness noun
• un·nor·ma·tive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of normative¹

First recorded in 1875–80; norm + -ative

Example Sentences

In short, cultures create monster stories to establish what’s normative within that culture.

From Slate

Putting the monster at the center means relegating the center—the normative—to the margins.

From Slate

Among the media and political classes, the operating assumption at the moment is that Donald Trump — by any normative standard, a disastrously undisciplined and erratic candidate — is likely to win that election, even without resorting to skulduggery or mob violence.

From Salon

“So many of the individuals that I work with have been directly harmed by normative financial advice that makes them feel bad for not adhering to some unexamined ideal,” said Sloane Ortel, chief investment officer at Ethical Capital.

From Salon

Instead, racial attitudes and beliefs are a normative judgment about society, how it should be organized, and which groups and individuals should be privileged or not based on their perceived racial identity or other group membership.

From Salon