prescriptive
prescriptive
Definition
pre·scrip·tive (prē skrip′tiv, pri-)
adjective
- that prescribes
- based on legal prescription
- prescribed by custom or long use
Etymology: LL praescriptivus
pre·scrip′·tively adverb
prescriptive
Synonyms
prescriptive
modif.
prescriptive
Usage Examples
Preposition: about
- form: We also think it is too early to be prescriptive about the precise form that National Grid services too take.
- type: Possible Activities We are not prescriptive about the type of activities that should be carried out by fellows.
Preposition: on
- issue: The Protocol does not attempt to be prescriptive on issues in relation to expert evidence.
Preposition: at
- stage: Without being too prescriptive at this stage, it is possible to outline the key elements of such a Bill.
Modifies a noun
- grammar: The people who wrote the first prescriptive grammars in the late eighteenth century.
- approach: A need for a more prescriptive approach to the structure of the tutorial sessions also became evident.
- regulation: The reports noted several shortcomings with prescriptive safety regulations.
- guideline: However, the move has angered consumer groups, as it preempts more prescriptive guidelines being drawn up by the Food Standards Agency.
- curriculum: The local curriculum The present model is one of the most prescriptive national curricula in the world.
- nature: Clay talk Some makers are wary of the prescriptive nature of words.
Modifying Another Word
- overly: Each of the four points stimulates ideas without being overly prescriptive.
- unduly: In meeting these criteria good regulation should not be unduly prescriptive.
- neither: Outline of project proposal The following provides a broad outline and is neither prescriptive nor exhaustive.
- too: There was concern not to be too prescriptive with an adverse effect on trade.
- highly: Action research is, in effect, a highly prescriptive extension of practice.
- fairly: He is fairly prescriptive in his advice in situations where the " right " answer may really depend on balancing a number of factors.
Used with adjective complement
- become: Some funders are becoming more prescriptive over how targets are to be achieved.
- see: To date there has been a marked refusal to be seen as prescriptive.
Preposition: in
Browse dictionary entries near prescriptive
- prescription
- prescriptible
- prescript
- prescribe
- Prescott
- prescind
- prescient
- prescience
- preschool
- presbytery
