What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
proscriptive
Example
The company has a proscriptive policy against workplace harassment. [proscriptive: adjective]
Example
The teacher's proscriptive tone made the students feel discouraged. [proscriptive: adjective]
Example
The proscriptive religious group banned dancing and drinking. [proscriptive: adjective]
prescriptive
Example
The doctor gave a prescriptive treatment plan for the patient's illness. [prescriptive: adjective]
Example
The style guide provided prescriptive rules for grammar and punctuation. [prescriptive: adjective]
Example
The prescriptive coach encouraged the team to practice every day. [prescriptive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Prescriptive is more commonly used than proscriptive in everyday language. Prescriptive is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while proscriptive is less common and often used in legal or formal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between proscriptive and prescriptive?
Both proscriptive and prescriptive can be used in formal contexts, but proscriptive is more likely to be used in legal or technical contexts, while prescriptive is more likely to be used in academic or instructional contexts.
