Definition

Relating to rules or principles that guide behavior or actions; instructive in nature.

Example

The teacher's preceptive approach helped students understand the importance of ethics.

Conversation

I found that book you recommended really interesting.

I'm glad you liked it! The author has such a preceptive way of explaining concepts.

Yeah, it made me think about things from a different perspective.

Exactly! It's always nice to learn something new.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Preceptive is formed from "pre-" (meaning before) and "cept" (from Latin "capere", meaning to seize or take). The word refers to the ability to seize or understand something before it happens or is fully explained.

Memory Tip

Think of 'seizing' ('cept') knowledge 'before' ('pre-') it is fully presented — that's what preceptive means.

Visually Confused Words