constructive

[ kuhn-struhk-tiv ]

adjective

1. helping to improve; promoting further development or advancement ( destructive ):

   constructive criticism.

   Synonyms: useful, handy, helpful, productive

2. of, relating to, or of the nature of construction; structural.
3. deduced by inference or interpretation; inferential:

   constructive permission.

4. Law. denoting an act or condition not directly expressed but inferred from other acts or conditions.

constructive

/ kənˈstrʌktɪv /

adjective

1. serving to build or improve; positive

   constructive criticism

2. law deduced by inference or construction; not expressed but inferred
3. law having a deemed legal effect

   constructive notice

4. another word for structural

Derived Forms

• conˈstructiveness, noun
• conˈstructively, adverb

Other Words From

• con·structive·ly adverb
• con·structive·ness noun
• noncon·structive adjective
• noncon·structive·ly adverb
• noncon·structive·ness noun
• quasi-con·structive adjective
• quasi-con·structive·ly adverb
• uncon·structive adjective
• uncon·structive·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of constructive¹

1670–80; < Medieval Latin constrūctīvus, equivalent to Latin constrūct(us) ( construct ) + īvus -ive

Example Sentences

Speaking after meeting Nipsa, Unite, and Unison, the minister said there had been constructive discussions.

From BBC

"We remain committed to continued reforms and welcome constructive dialogue to address any legitimate concerns fairly and transparently," they added.

From BBC

They both added that if I were not doing something like taking these long walks they would be very concerned about my state of mind because it would indicate, that like too many of their patients, I am in a state of deep denial and/or not finding a constructive way to work through my feelings.

From Salon

"I would urge our government going forward to be constructive in those discussions."

From BBC

My stance on widespread testing will be different when doctors have more tools available to predict and treat Alzheimer’s and can offer constructive advice after a blood test comes back positive.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• effective
• positive
• practical
• productive
• useful
• valuable