instructive

[ in-struhk-tiv ]

adjective

1. serving to instruct or inform; conveying instruction, knowledge, or information; enlightening.
2. Grammar. noting a case, as in Finnish, whose distinctive function is to indicate means by which.

instructive

/ ɪnˈstrʌktɪv /

adjective

1. serving to instruct or enlighten; conveying information

Derived Forms

• inˈstructively, adverb
• inˈstructiveness, noun

Other Words From

• in·structive·ly adverb
• in·structive·ness noun
• nonin·structive adjective
• nonin·structive·ly adverb
• nonin·structive·ness noun
• over·in·structive adjective
• over·in·structive·ly adverb
• over·in·structive·ness noun
• unin·structive adjective
• unin·structive·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of instructive¹

First recorded in 1605–15; instruct + -ive

Example Sentences

Watching him dealing with his team against City from my very high vantage point on the seventh floor of the main stand was quite instructive.

From BBC

It may be a more instructive parable than he realizes, because Jeffress has been doing everything he can to return to that office ever since.

From Salon

The Ontological-Hysteric Theater is, of course, the name of Foreman’s experimental company, and it’s instructive to consider the two words in proximity.

From Los Angeles Times

Such fantasies were an instructive form of projection, of a sort that may seem oddly familiar today.

From Salon

Clement's words were considered but instructive of a man who was quickly needing proof from some signings they could cut the mustard at Rangers.

From BBC

Related Words

• enlightening
• helpful
• illuminating
• useful