1. a person who believes that language rules should be strictly followed and enforced, especially regarding grammar and usage standards
Usage: common in linguistics and education contexts

1. relating to or characteristic of the belief that language should follow established rules and standards
Usage: often used in contrast with descriptive approaches to language

Examples

• The prescriptivist teacher corrected every student who used 'ain't' in class.
• Her prescriptivist approach to grammar meant she disapproved of ending sentences with prepositions.
• Many prescriptivists argue that language standards are essential for clear communication.
• The prescriptivist view holds that there is a 'correct' way to speak and write.
• Unlike prescriptivists, descriptivists study how language is actually used by speakers.
• He took a prescriptivist stance on the split infinitive debate.
• Prescriptivist rules about language can sometimes conflict with how native speakers naturally communicate.