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

At the vanguard of this revitalization is a group of extremely talented Black designers who are constantly challenging normative categories of identity. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 6 May 2025

Locke further argued that many in the mental health field have pathologized normative human experience. —Eric Wood, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025

These narratives are rarely right or wrong in a normative sense. —Jennifer M. Harris, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025

One of the points Rowling first made in her lengthy 2020 manifesto was about the need for cisgender women not to feel limited by the confines of normative gender expression. —Aja Romano, Vox, 18 Apr. 2025

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