PRESCRIPTIVE Meaning and
Definition
-
The term "prescriptive" typically refers to the nature of prescribing or dictating rules, standards, or guidelines for behavior or conduct. It can be defined as a form of authority or guidance that sets forth explicit instructions and regulations to govern actions, practices, or interpretations within a particular context.
Prescriptive approaches, often found in various fields such as language, law, or ethics, aim to establish norms, protocols, or conventions which are considered authoritative and must be followed. In grammar, for example, prescriptive rules provide guidelines on how words and sentences should be structured in order to conform to the accepted standard. Similarly, prescriptive legal codes outline specific actions that are required or prohibited in a legal system.
These prescriptive measures are often driven by established conventions, long-standing traditions, or widely accepted rules that are upheld by those in positions of authority or expertise. They emphasize a "correct" or "preferred" way of behaving or executing a task, laying down standards that are deemed necessary or beneficial for the functioning of a particular domain.
However, it is important to note that prescriptive approaches are not always universally agreed upon or uncontested. Critics argue that such approaches may perpetuate social inequalities, stifle creativity, or limit individual expression. In contrast, descriptive approaches focus on describing and analyzing language, behavior, or practices as they are actually used, without prioritizing any particular set of norms or conformity.
Overall, the term "prescriptive" essentially encompasses the idea of establishing authoritative guidelines or regulations that determine what is considered the appropriate or correct way of behaving or interpreting within a given domain.
-
Acquired by immemorial use and enjoyment; pleading the authority of custom.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for PRESCRIPTIVE *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for PRESCRIPTIVE
Etymology of PRESCRIPTIVE
The word "prescriptive" comes from the Latin verb "praescribere", which is composed of two roots: "prae-" meaning "before" or "in front of", and "scribere" meaning "to write". The verb "praescribere" means "to write before" or "to order in advance". Over time, the verb developed the noun form "praescriptio", meaning "a writing before", which was used in legal contexts to refer to a written order or prescription. In English, "prescriptive" was derived from the noun "prescription" and is often used to describe rules, guidelines, or instructions that are language-related, normative, or dictating a specific course of action.
Similar spelling words for PRESCRIPTIVE
- procrastinate,
- prescription,
- procreative,
- preservation,
- proscribe,
- prescript,
- proscription,
- preserves,
- proserpine,
- prescribe,
- preserver,
- procreation,
- preserved,
- preservative,
- pressurize,
- proscribed,
- prescribed,
- pressurise.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
