instruct

CEFRC1

/ɪnˈstɹʌkt/

verb · adjective

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    verb

    To teach someone how to do something.

  2. 02

    verb

    Extra detail

    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.

Examples

  • I'll instruct you this once, and only this once; thus, you'd better be ready.

  • Please instruct the patient to visit a clinician.

At a glance

Sits at C1 on the CEFR scale

Senses
5
Parts of speech
2
Citations
5
Synonyms
5

Also pronounced

  • /ɪnˈstɹakt/

Deep Dive

verb

Extra meanings

  1. To tell (someone) what they must or should do.

  2. To teach by giving instructions.

adjective

Extra meaning

  1. Arranged; furnished; provided.

More examples

In context

  • I use animals to instruct people.

  • Listen carefully when someone instructs you how to assemble the furniture.

  • Usage note: "instruct" is less forceful than "order", but weightier than "advise"

Synonyms

Quick test

Two questions on this entry. Nothing is scored.

Question 1 · Quick check

The trainer will blank the new employees on safety procedures before they start work.

Practise this properly in the app, where the word comes back before you forget it.

Nearby

Origin

verb

From Latin īnstrūctus, perfect passive participle of īnstruō (“I instruct; I arrange, furnish, or provide”).