WordGarden.ioinstruct
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɪnstrˈʌkt/
US
- /ˌɪnˈstrəkt/
Meanings
Verb
to teach someone or train them in a subject or skill
to tell someone formally what to do
to authorize or direct a lawyer or professional to act
Beyond the definition
To instruct someone is to tell them clearly how to do something, like giving directions or teaching a skill. A teacher instructs students, a coach instructs players, and a manual tells you how to put furniture together. It's more than just suggesting; it's about giving clear guidance. Think of a captain guiding the crew, carefully explaining each task for a smooth voyage. You can also instruct someone in a particular subject: "She instructed him in the art of pottery."
The word "instruct" means to give someone directions or orders, typically involving a specific task or skill. It's about more than just telling; it implies providing detailed guidance and often involves teaching or training. For example: "The sergeant instructed the recruits on how to properly load their weapons," or "My doctor instructed me to take this medication twice daily."
"Instruct" can also mean to teach someone a particular subject or field of study. "Professor Davies instructs students in medieval literature." This usage emphasizes sharing knowledge and building understanding, not just giving commands.
The word comes from Latin roots related to building up, preparing, or arranging, which fits its sense of helping someone become ready or able. You might see it used in formal contexts like legal documents ("We hereby instruct our lawyers to proceed with the case") or technical manuals ("Instruct the system to reboot").
However, "instruct" isn't limited to formal settings. A parent instructs a child on proper behavior, and a friend might instruct another on how to use a new app. It's about sharing knowledge and guiding someone towards a desired outcome. So whether it's giving orders, teaching skills, or providing guidance, to instruct is to direct with clarity and purpose.
Examples
- 1
Workplace training
The trainer instructed the new staff in basic safety procedures.
- 2
Hospitality
Please instruct the guests to wait in the lobby until the room is ready.
- Patterninstruct someone to + verb
tell someone what they must do
- 3
Emergency rule
We were instructed not to open the door during the alarm.
- 4
User manual
The manual instructs users to restart the device after the update.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Legal order
The judge instructed the jury to ignore the last comment.
- Usage
instruct is often used for official orders
- 6
Following directions
Follow the steps exactly as instructed.
- Phraseas instructed
in the way you were told
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- instruct students
- instruct someone in something
- instruct a class
- instruct someone on how to do something
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- instructverb
Forms
- instructedpast tenseverb
- instructing-ing formverb
- instructsverb