instruct

American  

[in-struhkt] / ɪnˈstrʌkt /

verb (used with object)

1. to furnish with knowledge, especially by a systematic method; teach; train; educate.

   Synonyms:

   school, indoctrinate, discipline, drill, coach, tutor

2. to furnish with orders or directions; direct; order; command.

   The doctor instructed me to diet.

   Synonyms:

   prescribe

3. to furnish with information; inform; apprise.

   Synonyms:

   enlighten

4. Law. (of a judge) to guide (a jury) by outlining the legal principles involved in the case under consideration.

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instruct British  

/ ɪnˈstrʌkt /

verb

1. to direct to do something; order

2. to teach (someone) how to do (something)

3. to furnish with information; apprise

4. law

   1. (esp of a client to his solicitor or a solicitor to a barrister) to give relevant facts or information to

   2. to authorize (a barrister or solicitor) to conduct a case on a person's behalf

      to instruct counsel

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Related Words

See teach.

Other Word Forms

• instructedly
  adverb
• instructedness
  noun
• instructible
  adjective
• misinstruct
  verb (used with object)
• overinstruct
  verb (used with object)
• preinstruct
  verb (used with object)
• quasi-instructed
  adjective
• reinstruct
  verb (used with object)
• self-instructed
  adjective
• self-instructing
  adjective
• uninstructible
  adjective
• uninstructing
  adjective
• well-instructed
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of instruct

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin instructus, past participle of instruere “to equip, train, set in order,” equivalent to in- “in” + struc- (variant stem of struere “to put together”) + -tus past participle suffix; see in- ²

Explanation

This website is designed to instruct visitors about the meaning of words and their correct usage. To instruct is to give instructions, to teach. Teachers are often called instructors because their job is to instruct, to give knowledge or instructions. The subtle difference between "teach" and instruct is that you can teach almost anything: concepts, ideas, theories or, say, history. When you instruct someone, you're giving them a set of tools or tasks to do something specific. That's why furniture, toys, and model rocket kits come with instructions: they instruct you how to assemble them.

Example Sentences

Instruct by word and example to those of a prime learning age so they can carry on in life with knowledge of fair play, perspective and leadership.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 30, 2021

Instruct the babysitter to let the toilet training go for a while and allow her to be 4.

From Washington Post • Oct. 17, 2017

Instruct your browser to never open pop-up windows.

From New York Times • Aug. 11, 2016

Instruct her to be conservative in her attire.

From Washington Times • May 16, 2016

"Instruct your nephew that he is to remain at Torrhen's Square, as his lord father commanded."

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin

Related Words

• advise
• brief
• discipline
• disclose
• educate
• guide
• notify
• tell
• train
• tutor