normatif

Forms

normatif (feminine normative, masculine plural normatifs, feminine plural normatives)^[1]

Etymology

It is formed from French norme (“norm, rule”) + -atif.^[2][1] The Grand Robert and the Petit Robert call it a learned derivative of Latin norma (“rule”),^[3][4] and Littré too gives the Latin word as its source.^[5]

Earliest recorded meaning

It is first recorded by Littré in 1868, as a didactic term for what has the force of a rule, illustrated by the normative authority of the apostolic writings in the Church.^[2][5][6]

Semantic evolution

It began as the descriptive adjective of norme, “having the character of a norm, concerning norms”, and also came to mean “laying down a norm, making value judgements”.^[6][2] In this second sense it is used in grammar and philosophy, where descriptive grammar is contrasted with normative grammar,^[4][7] and in everyday language, where it often carries a critical note.^[6]

In the 20th century it gave normativité (1949), normativisme (1935) and normativiste (1968), words for a systematically normative attitude.^[6] The English word normative, recorded from 1880, perhaps comes from the French adjective.^[8]

Timeline

• 1868 – Littré records normatif as a didactic term.^[2][6]
• 1880 – English normative is recorded, perhaps from the French word.^[8]
• 1935 – The derivative normativisme appears.^[6]
• 1949 – Normativité is recorded in a work on constitutional law.^[2][6]
• 1968 – Normativiste is used in a treatise of sociology.^[2]

Meanings

Adjective

1. (didactic) Having the character of a norm or rule, relating to norms: jugement, précepte normatif.^[2][4]
2. Laying down rules or precepts, making value judgements: la grammaire normative (as opposed to descriptive grammar), logique, morale normative.^[4][7][9]

Word family

• normativité
• normativisme

Related words

• norme
• normal
• Latin norma
• English normative

References

1. ^ a b c Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
2. ^ a b c d e f g Trésor de la langue française informatisé (2004), ATILF – CNRS & Université de Lorraine, atilf.fr/tlfi; electronic version of Imbs, Paul; Quemada, Bernard, eds. (1971–1994), Trésor de la langue française, Paris: CNRS / Gallimard
3. ^ Rey, Alain, ed. (2005), Le Grand Robert de la langue française, electronic version, Paris: Le Robert
4. ^ a b c d Rey-Debove, Josette; Rey, Alain, eds. (2007), Le Petit Robert de la langue française, Paris: Le Robert
5. ^ a b Littré, Émile (1873–1877), Dictionnaire de la langue française, 4 vols. and supplement, Paris: Hachette
6. ^ a b c d e f g Rey, Alain, ed. (1992), Dictionnaire historique de la langue française, Paris: Le Robert
7. ^ a b Guilbert, Louis; Lagane, René; Niobey, Georges, eds. (1971–1978; 1989), Grand Larousse de la langue française, Paris: Larousse
8. ^ a b Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
9. ^ Dictionnaire Le Robert en ligne, dictionnaire.lerobert.com (accessed 2024)