presriptive

Prescriptive refers to something that prescribes or lays down rules, guidelines, or instructions. It is the opposite of descriptive, which merely describes what is or what has been observed. Prescriptive language, for example, dictates how language *should* be used, rather than how it *is* actually used. This often involves establishing norms of grammar, syntax, and vocabulary. In a legal context, a prescriptive right is one acquired through long use, often without explicit permission, establishing a right to do something that would otherwise be considered an infringement. For instance, a prescriptive easement allows someone to cross another's land if they have done so openly, continuously, and without objection for a statutory period. The concept of prescriptive authority is also used in fields like medicine, where a doctor prescribes a course of treatment. In essence, prescriptive elements aim to guide or mandate behavior or usage according to a set standard or rule.