[nor.ma.tive] adj [F normatif, fr. norme norm, fr. L norma] (1878) 1: of, relating to, or determining norms or standards "~ tests"
2: conforming to or based on norms "~ behavior" "~ judgments"
3: prescribing norms "~ rules of ethics" "~ grammar" -- nor.ma.tive.ly adv -- nor.ma.tive.ness n