normative

adjective

nor·​ma·​tive ˈnȯr-mə-tiv 

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

ˌnȯr-mə-ˈti-və-tē 

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

But by following these normative paths, these men were able to engage their existing relationships with industry colleagues to learn more about job opportunities, available openings, and possibilities for advancement. — Adia Harvey Wingfield, Forbes.com, 16 June 2026

The dominant normative theory across most of the modern world is derived from liberalism, as expressed in such classic early works as John Stuart Mill’s essay On Liberty, published in 1859. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 May 2026

And the undoing of the normative tropes of, like, Sex is this act that starts with foreplay and ends with the male climax! — Rachel Handler, Vulture, 14 May 2026

The said witty, hedonistic sweetie is not so much a strutting shock machine as a normative character, a familiar sight on the Rialto with a whole lot of high-end Broadway competition working just down the street. — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French normatif, from norme norm, from Latin norma

First Known Use

1852, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for normative

• formative
• heteronormative
• informative
• performative
• uninformative