prescriptive

UK: /prɪˈskrɪptɪv/ US: /prɪˈskrɪptɪv/ ,(pri skrip′tiv)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

pre•scrip•tive /prɪˈskrɪptɪv/   adj. 

1. eager to set down rules:
   prescriptive writers wanting everyone to follow the rules that they declare correct.

See -scrib-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

pre•scrip•tive  (pri skrip′tiv), adj. 

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

• prescript + -ive, modeled on descriptive, etc. 1740–50

pre•scrip′tive•ly, adv. 
pre•scrip′tive•ness, n. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

prescriptive / prɪˈskrɪptɪv/ adjective

1. making or giving directions, rules, or injunctions
2. sanctioned by long-standing usage or custom
3. derived from or based upon legal prescription: a prescriptive title

preˈscriptively adverb

preˈscriptiveness noun