Consultative
kənˈsʌltətɪv
Definitions
2 meaningsProviding or involving advice, typically in a formal or professional context.
kənˈsʌltətɪv
Giving advice or guidance
The doctor provided a consultative diagnosis.
💡 Simply: It's like when grown-ups have a meeting to get everyone's ideas before they make a big decision. They're being consultative, asking for opinions to make a better choice.
👶 For kids: Like when you ask your friends for ideas before you pick a game to play. You are being consultative!
More Examples
The committee's role is consultative, not decisive.
She prefers a consultative leadership style.
How It's Used
"The company adopted a consultative approach to decision-making."
"A consultative body was established to advise the government."
Relating to or characterized by giving of advice or involving consultation, or seeking advice.
kənˈsʌltətɪv
Involving consultation; seeking advice
The team used a consultative process to finalize the design.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're planning a party and you ask your friends what kind of food they like. That's a consultative approach, gathering ideas before you decide.
👶 For kids: When you ask your mom and dad what they want for dinner before you decide what to make, you are being consultative.
More Examples
Her leadership style is highly consultative.
The company culture is consultative, encouraging open communication.
How It's Used
"The lawyer took a consultative stance before offering a suggestion."
"The project followed a consultative approach."
Idioms & expressions
consultative democracy
A form of government where the people have a say in decisions but the leaders hold the final authority.
"Some countries practice consultative democracy to ensure that public opinion is considered during policy-making."
consultative selling
A sales approach where the salesperson acts as an advisor to the customer.
"Consultative selling focuses on building relationships and understanding the needs of the customer."
From Latin *consultare* meaning 'to consult,' related to *consulere* meaning 'to deliberate' or 'to consult'. The suffix '-ative' indicates a tendency or quality.
Used in legal and governmental contexts since the 18th century, with its application expanding in business and organizational settings.
Memory tip
Think of a consultant who *gives advice*.