1 instructive | Definition of instructive

instructive

adjective
in·​struc·​tive | \ in-ˈstrÉ™k-tiv How to pronounce instructive (audio) \

Definition of instructive

: carrying a lesson : enlightening

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Other Words from instructive

instructively adverb
instructiveness noun

Examples of instructive in a Sentence

an interesting and instructive lesson an instructive demonstration of the proper way to pack a suitcase so your clothes don't arrive in a mess

Recent Examples on the Web

Roth’s historical approach is useful and instructive. Sarah Carr, Washington Post, "On college campuses, managing the tension between inclusion and ideas," 30 Aug. 2019 And the outcome of this Sept. 10 race — observers view it as a coin flip — could be instructive on what plays better for Democrats in purple/red states and districts. NBC News, "What the final race of 2018 might tell us about 2020," 22 Aug. 2019 Comparisons to how the US has battled Islamist terror groups are inevitable, and instructive. Tim Fernholz, Quartz, "America’s mass shootings are a political choice," 6 Aug. 2019 San Francisco Chronicle New satellite images offer a dramatic and instructive view of the immense power of the magnitude 7.1 Ridgecrest earthquake, showing how California’s biggest quake in nearly two decades caused the ground to break. Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, "What exactly is happening with the new L.A. County sheriff?," 23 July 2019 Real war isn’t as bloodless or as morally instructive as G.I. Joe cartoons. Matt Farwell, The New Republic, "Playing Soldiers," 15 July 2019 Holt and Keys pitching coach Justin Lord also take video on cellphones to show the pitcher his delivery in the moment, and the sessions take on a collaborative and instructive feel as each pitch has a specific goal. Jon Meoli, baltimoresun.com, "Strikeout increase shows Orioles minor league pitching program taking hold under Chris Holt," 10 July 2019 The Raptors and Warriors are instructive on that front—both teams have been pairing All-Stars with journeymen and former G-Leaguers and trying to make the formula look seamless. Andrew Sharp, SI.com, "The Finals Are a Preview of a Better NBA Future," 5 June 2019 Argentina’s experience is instructive: Twenty beavers were deliberately introduced in the south in 1946 in order to foster a fur trade. Katie Orlinsky, National Geographic, "Arctic permafrost is thawing fast. That affects us all.," 16 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'instructive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of instructive

1611, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for instructive

instructive

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of instructive

: providing knowledge or information : helping to instruct someone

instructive

adjective
in·​struc·​tive | \ in-ˈstrÉ™k-tiv How to pronounce instructive (audio) \

Kids Definition of instructive

: helping to give knowledge or information an instructive book

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