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

By removing color, the focus shifts to texture, light, gesture, and gaze — emphasizing the nuances of connection and the multiplicity of what love can look like beyond normative, romanticized ideals. —Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2025

This move could be a response to the commodification and fetishization of trans narratives, particularly normative ones centered on trauma and redemption. —Grace Byron, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025

Being averse to change, or using change to cope with normative stressors, can have a significant impact on wellbeing. —Eric Wood, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025

But there’s a real tenderness and beauty in the kiss between Whoopi Goldberg and Margaret Avery, and there is a genuine feeling of kind of non-normative love in that film. —Michael Schaub, Oc Register, 22 Aug. 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