instructive

adjective

in·​struc·​tive in-ˈstrək-tiv How to pronounce instructive (audio)
: carrying a lesson : enlightening
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 Variety surveyed multiple interested observers, including studio executives, music-branch members, publicists and consultants; and while no one agreed on possible solutions to the issues raised, their views and opinions are instructive. Jon Burlingame, Variety, 21 Feb. 2024 For Felicia Davis, former HR executive and founder of The Black Women's Collective, the tech worker's experience could be instructive to other job seekers. James Powel, USA TODAY, 28 Jan. 2024 The experiences of other companies can be instructive, too. Stand Together Trust, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2024 The gaming example is instructive, because that's basically how Microsoft is approaching DirectML, its API for machine-learning operations. Andrew Cunningham, Ars Technica, 7 Feb. 2024 Lahaina survivors come together to grieve months after Maui fires Their actions, funded by donations and volunteers, could be instructive for other places — such as Lahaina, which faces a much longer road to recovery — looking to rebound from past disasters and prevent future ones. Reis Thebault, Washington Post, 7 Feb. 2024 There was something instructive in that shift, too. Hugh Morris, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2024 That’s where Bluebird Bio, a company that exists solely for that purpose, could be instructive. Damian Garde, STAT, 1 Feb. 2024 An instructive example occurred recently, when the Houthis released an English-language video across social media platforms announcing a blockade of the Red Sea to all commercial vessels linked to Israel or destined for Israeli ports. Narges Bajoghli, Foreign Affairs, 17 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'instructive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of instructive was in 1611

Dictionary Entries Near instructive

Cite this Entry

“Instructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instructive. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

instructive

adjective
in·​struc·​tive in-ˈstrək-tiv How to pronounce instructive (audio)
: giving knowledge : helping to instruct or inform
an instructive experience
instructively adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on instructive

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