prescriptive
Prescriptive refers to something that sets or expresses how things ought to be, rather than how they are. A prescriptive rule, norm, or theory establishes a standard for conduct, behavior, or operation. In contrast, a descriptive statement explains or observes how things occur in practice. Prescriptive laws define what conduct is required or prohibited, while descriptive analysis examines how those laws are interpreted or enforced.
[Last reviewed in October of 2025 by the Wex Definitions Team]
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