Instruct

Definition

To direct or command someone to do something, or to provide information on how to do something.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪnˈstrʌkt/
• Respelling: in-STRUHKT (with "in" as in "tin" and "STRUHKT" as in "construct")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪnˈstrʌkt/
• Respelling: in-STRUHKT (with "in" as in "tin" and "STRUHKT" as in "construct")

In both dialects, "instruct" places the primary stress on the second syllable, "STRUHKT." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "in-STRUHKT."

Etymology

The term "instruct" comes from the Latin "instructus", the past participle of "instruere" which means 'to pile up’ or ‘to arrange’. Over time, the meaning evolved to include the sense of "furnishing with information".

Derivatives

• Instruction (noun)
• Instructor (noun)
• Instructive (adjective)
• Instructively (adverb)
• Instructed (verb, past tense)

Synonyms

• Teach
• Educate
• Train

Antonyms

• Learn
• Ignore
• Neglect

Usage

"Instruct" is used in contexts where someone is teaching, guiding, or providing directions to another person or group.

Related Terms

• Education
• Training
• Guidance
• Tutorial
• Directive

Detailed Definition

Verb

• Instruct (Verb, General): To teach or impart knowledge to someone.
  • Example: "The professor will instruct the students in the fundamentals of physics."

• Instruct (Verb, Directive): To give orders or directions to someone.
  • Example: "The manager instructed the team to complete the project by the end of the week."

• Instruct (Verb, Legal): To formally direct or inform someone, especially in a legal context.
  • Example: "The judge instructed the jury on the legal standards they must apply."

Note: The term "instruct" often implies a sense of authority or expertise on the part of the person giving the instructions.