Instruct
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /ɪnˈstɹʌkt/ · Part of speech verb
Quick meaning: Instruct is a verb meaning (transitive) To teach by giving instructions.
Meaning
(transitive) To teach by giving instructions.
More Meanings
- (transitive) To tell (someone) what they must or should do.
- (transitive) To give (one's own lawyer) legal instructions as to how they should act in relation to a particular issue; thereby formally appointing them as one's own legal representative in relation to it.
- (obsolete) Instruction.
- (obsolete) Arranged; furnished; provided.
- (obsolete) Instructed; taught; enlightened.
Example Sentences
Listen carefully when someone instructs you how to assemble the furniture.
The doctor instructed me to keep my arm immobilised and begin physiotherapy.
Usage note: "instruct" is less forceful than "order", but weightier than "advise"
At the Laundromat I instruct Chris on how to operate the drier, start the washing machines […]
Word Forms
- instructs
- instructing
- instructed
Synonyms for instruct
Depending on context, synonyms include educate, guide, command, direct, order, apprise.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include learn, teach, apprise, apprize, educate, instruction.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.