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Meaning of constructive in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Classifying Adjective
    1. Definitions
  3. Qualitative Adjective
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions
  1. Pronunciation

    /kənˈstrəktɪv/

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  1. Classifying Adjective

    constructive

    Definitions

    1. emphasizing what is laudable or hopeful or to the good

    Examples

    • « constructive criticism »

    Synonyms

    • positive
  2. Qualitative Adjective

    constructive

    Etymology

    mid 17th century (in constructive (sense 2)): from late Latin constructivus, from Latin construct-‘heap together’, from the verb construere (see construct)

    Definitions

    1. constructing or tending to construct or improve or promote development

    Examples

    • « constructive criticism »
    • « a constructive attitude »
    • « a constructive philosophy »
    • « constructive permission »

    Synonyms

    • creative
    • formative
    • shaping
    • formative
    • inferential
    • reconstructive
    • rehabilitative
    • structural

    Antonyms

    • destructive

Famous quotes

  • « You have the freedom to live and let live, to love and let love. Granting yourself that freedom is one of the healthiest, most constructive things you can do for yourself and the people who matter to you. »
    Martha Beck
  • « I've studied all my musical life, but learning is only good if you do something constructive with it. »
    Tony Williams
  • « We are approaching a new age of synthesis. Knowledge cannot be merely a degree or a skill... it demands a broader vision, capabilities in critical thinking and logical deduction without which we cannot have constructive progress. »
    Li Ka Shing
  • « The man who will use his skill and constructive imagination to see how much he can give for a dollar, instead of how little he can give for a dollar, is bound to succeed. »
    Henry Ford
  • « A liberal knows that the only certainty in this life is change but believes that the change can be directed toward a constructive end. »
    Henry A. Wallace

See also

  • positive

Browse dictionary

  • construction worker
  • construction paper
  • construction industry
  • construction
  • constructive
  • constructive-metabolic(a)
  • constructively
  • constructiveness
  • constructive breach
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