normative

adjective

nor·​ma·​tive ˈnȯr-mə-tiv How to pronounce normative (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or determining norms or standards
normative tests
2
: conforming to or based on norms
normative behavior
normative judgments
3
: prescribing (see prescribe sense 1) norms
normative rules of ethics
normative grammar
normatively adverb
normativeness noun
Thus the normativeness of truth is preserved, along with its transcendence of what is presently assertible … Colin McGinn
normativity noun
plural normativities
In our world of shifting gender normativity and embrace of non-traditional expression, the beauty world is reaching out to men—both with products that fit into masculine grooming routines, and ones that break all barriers. Samuel Hine
… notes that speaking up about being abused or assaulted is an opportunity to challenge the normativity of sexual violence. Leslie Sarinana

Examples of normative in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Despite the fact that giving cash as a present is not only normative but preferred in other countries like Korea and Japan, in the US and other Western cultures, the exchange is sometimes seen as gauche. Allie Volpe, Vox, 19 Nov. 2024 There are also normative arguments for the United States to prioritize the G-20. Leslie Vinjamuri, Foreign Affairs, 15 Nov. 2024 First, the approach is normative, based on modelers’ opinions about how much to weight benefits across generations. James Broughel, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024 The descendent of a long line of preachers, Ellis once sought to counteract the stutter, to bend their voice into more normative patterns. Wren Sanders, Them, 27 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for normative 

Word History

Etymology

French normatif, from norme norm, from Latin norma

First Known Use

1852, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of normative was in 1852

Dictionary Entries Near normative

Cite this Entry

“Normative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/normative. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on normative

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!