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

A spokesperson for the CWU said its meetings so far with the EP Group have been "honest and constructive and are set to continue in the coming days."

From BBC

Trudeau said his country was prepared to work with the US in "constructive ways".

From BBC

Trump tends to favor disruption over constructive policymaking, but he has already made non-college pathways a signature education statement, and the idea has become popular with both parties.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Related Words

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