Prescriptive: meaning, definitions and examples

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prescriptive

 

[ prษชหˆskrษชp.tษชv ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

linguistics usage

Prescriptive refers to an approach that dictates how language should be used according to established rules and norms. It often involves setting standards of grammar and usage, as opposed to descriptivism, which observes how language is actually used. This term is commonly applied in the context of language instruction, style guides, and grammar books, making it influential in shaping educational practices. Its prescriptive nature suggests an authoritative source on language use that many educators and writers refer to.

Synonyms

dictatorial, directive, normative, regulatory.

Examples of usage

  • The prescriptive rules of grammar can be strict.
  • Many style guides are prescriptive in their recommendations.
  • Teachers often use a prescriptive approach to writing.
  • The prescriptive nature of the manual resulted in confusion.
  • Linguists debate between prescriptive and descriptive methods.

Translations

Translations of the word "prescriptive" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น prescritivo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคจเคฟเคฐเฅเคฆเฅ‡เคถเคพเคคเฅเคฎเค•

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช vorschreibend

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ preskriptif

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟั€ะตัะบั€ะธะฟั‚ะธะฒะฝะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ preskryptywny

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่ฆ็ฏ„็š„ใช

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท prescriptif

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ prescriptivo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท preskriptif

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ทœ๋ฒ”์ ์ธ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูˆุตููŠ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ preskriptivnรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ preskriptรญvny

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ง„ๅฎšๆ€ง็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ predpisni

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ fyrirskipandi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฝาฑัา›ะฐัƒะปั‹า›

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฌแƒ”แƒกแƒ แƒ˜แƒ’แƒ˜แƒก

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ tษ™yin edici

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ prescriptivo

Etymology

The term 'prescriptive' comes from the Latin word 'praescriptus', which means 'written before' or 'directed'. This term was first used in the 14th century in English, primarily in legal and instructional contexts. Over time, it evolved to refer specifically to linguistic rules and the study of language. In the context of grammar, prescriptivism became prominent in the 18th century when grammarians sought to establish rules for English usage. The shift towards prescriptive grammar gained traction as education became formalized and standardized, leading to a more unified approach to language teaching and analysis. As various style guides emerged, the prescriptive approach remained a dominant force, fostering debates with descriptivists who advocate for observing natural language use rather than enforcing rigid standards.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,081, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.