ipsative

I1P3S1A1T1I1V4E1
/ˈɪpsətɪv/

adjective

Denoting a measure that forces a person to choose among multiple desirable options.

“Myers-Briggs uses ipsative measures, whereas the Five-Factor Model uses normative measures.”

Opposite
normative
OriginLatin ipse →
Scrabble 13
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Meanings

adjectiveipsative (not comparable)
  1. not comparablehuman sciencesDenoting a measure that forces a person to choose among multiple desirable options.

    Myers-Briggs uses ipsative measures, whereas the Five-Factor Model uses normative measures.

  2. not comparableeducationComparing a measure of a person against that person’s previous assessments, rather than against the performance of others.

Synonyms & antonyms

antonym(s) of “psychology”

Opposite
normative

Origin

  1. Latinipse“of the self”
  2. Englishipsative

From Latin ipse (“of the self”).

More words from Latin

Full word history & related roots →

Translations

French ipsatif
  • ipsatifdenoting a measure that forces a person to choose among multiple desirable options
German ipsativ
  • ipsativdenoting a measure that forces a person to choose among multiple desirable options
Spanish ipsativo
  • ipsativodenoting a measure that forces a person to choose among multiple desirable options
Cite this entry
APA

ipsative. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/ipsative

MLA

“ipsative.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/ipsative. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “ipsative,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/ipsative.

Source: ipsative on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.