constructive

[kuhn-struhk-tiv]

adjective

1. helping to improve; promoting further development or advancement (destructive ).

   constructive criticism.

   Synonyms: useful, handy, helpful, productive

2. of, relating to, or of the nature of construction; structural.

3. deduced by inference or interpretation; inferential.

   constructive permission.

4. Law.,  denoting an act or condition not directly expressed but inferred from other acts or conditions.

constructive

/ kənˈstrʌktɪv /

adjective

1. serving to build or improve; positive

   constructive criticism

2. law deduced by inference or construction; not expressed but inferred

3. law having a deemed legal effect

   constructive notice

4. another word for structural

Other Word Forms

• constructiveness noun
• constructively adverb
• nonconstructive adjective
• nonconstructively adverb
• nonconstructiveness noun
• quasi-constructive adjective
• quasi-constructively adverb
• unconstructive adjective
• unconstructively adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of constructive¹

1670–80; < Medieval Latin constrūctīvus, equivalent to Latin constrūct(us) ( construct ) + īvus -ive

Example Sentences

Sinclair said in a press release its discussions with ABC and parent company Disney are "ongoing and constructive".

From BBC

Another backbencher said it was "good" that Burnham had "come out with some constructive ideas" - and another said the Manchester mayor "offers something different".

From BBC

"We'll continue improving our tools, and we welcome constructive feedback - but this report is not that," they said.

From BBC

“We stand by that decision pending assurance that all parties are committed to fostering an environment of respectful, constructive dialogue in the markets we serve,” Nexstar said.

From Los Angeles Times

Downing Street has sought to cultivate a constructive relationship with the unpredictable US president and has pointed to a deal on trade as one result of their efforts.

From BBC

Related Words

• effective 
• positive 
• practical 
• productive 
• useful 
• valuable