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

To most foreign policy elites, who view U.S. power as a normative good, this trend appears dreadful. —Andrew Byers, Foreign Affairs, 1 July 2024

Leibowitz’s positions were shaped by his understanding of Judaism as a religion of praxis, i.e., a normative system of mitzvot, biblical commandments in the Torah observed by practicing Jews, not as a political ideology or a national identity. —Moti Mizrahi, JSTOR Daily, 18 Oct. 2023

However, Israel doesn’t play by normative standards of civilized behavior. —Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 10 Mar. 2024

These popular mobilizations suggest that democracies are losing the normative argument about the desirability of liberal governance. —Steven Feldstein, Foreign Affairs, 26 July 2022

Word History

Etymology

French normatif, from norme norm, from Latin norma

First Known Use

1852, in the meaning defined at sense 1