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

Today, the restaurants are still stellar, still brash, still pace-setting, but the past year or two have brought some small, subtle shifts—little concessions, maybe, to the normative American palate. — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 19 July 2026

According to Zola’s 2024 First Look Report, 83% of couples are challenging the normative expectations tied to the wedding day, from toxic diet culture to the expectation that brides will change their last name. — Boutayna Chokrane, Vogue, 17 July 2026

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

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