Main Entry: nor·ma·tive

Pronunciation: \ˈnȯr-mə-tiv\

Function: adjective

Etymology: French normatif, from norme norm, from Latin norma

Date: 1878

1 : of, relating to, or determining norms or standards <normative tests>
2 : conforming to or based on norms <normative behavior> <normative judgments>
3 : prescribing norms <normative rules of ethics> <normative grammar>

— nor·ma·tive·ly adverb

— nor·ma·tive·ness noun