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

This well-known fringe pattern phenomenon is caused by consistent constructive interference but has different characteristics when radio waves propagate around a neutron star.

From Science Daily

Unite added it is "already having constructive discussions with government and industry to reform the EV mandate to protect jobs".

From BBC

Zelensky said he had a “constructive exchange” with Trump during their phone conversation after his victory in the US presidential election.

From BBC

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

Related Words

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