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Definition of instructive

instructive

/ɪnˈstrʌktɪv/
in · struc · tive
Adverb:instructively
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instructive Lexical Profile

instructive Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Serving to instruct or inform; conveying useful knowledge, insight, or a valuable lesson.

Example

"Analyzing the company's early failures proved highly instructive for the new management team."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for instructive
Antonyms
View all antonyms for instructive

Word Nuance & Usage

'Instructive' describes something that imparts useful knowledge or insight (e.g., an instructive mistake), whereas 'instructional' refers specifically to materials or methods designed for formal teaching (e.g., an instructional video).

• Rhymes for instructive

• Nearby Words

instruct
instruction
instructional
instructive
instructively
instructor
instructorship

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 17th century from Middle French instructif, derived from Latin instructus, the past participle of instruere ('to build, prepare, furnish, or teach').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Instructive. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/instructive
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