What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
normative
Example
The company has established normative standards for ethical behavior. [normative: adjective]
Example
The normative approach to education emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. [normative: noun]
regulatory
Example
The government has implemented regulatory measures to protect consumers from fraudulent practices. [regulatory: adjective]
Example
The regulatory body is responsible for monitoring and enforcing compliance with safety standards in the workplace. [regulatory: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Regulatory is more commonly used than normative in everyday language, especially in legal and business contexts. Normative is more commonly used in academic and philosophical discussions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between normative and regulatory?
Regulatory is typically associated with a formal and legal tone, while normative is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.