In
linguistics,
prescriptive means laying down or
prescribing rules of the language rather
describing them. For example, a descriptive linguist working in English will try to describe the usage, distribution, and history of "ain't" and "
h-dropping" neutrally, without judging them against other forms. A prescriptivist (one who is prescriptive) will often judge that they are inferior and recommend that they be avoided.
See also: