# prescriptive

/pɹɪskɹˈɪptɪv/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/prescriptive
Updated: 2026-05-27

## Definition

describing rules or advice that tells you exactly what you must do. It is often used when someone is very strict about how a language or a system should be used.

For teachers: relating to the establishment of rules or standards that dictate how something should be done. Often contrasted with descriptive approaches that merely observe how people actually behave.

## Examples

- The grammar book has a very prescriptive approach to language.
- While some linguists prefer a descriptive view of how people speak, others follow a prescriptive style that focuses on strict rules.
- The committee's prescriptive guidelines left little room for individual creativity, forcing all members to adhere strictly to the established formatting standards regardless of their specific project needs.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.