Definition of instruct
Examples of instruct in a sentence
She instructed us that we were to remain in our seats.
The judge instructed the jury that they should disregard the testimony of the last witness.
She advised him to instruct a solicitor.
Origin and Etymology of instruct
Middle English, from Latin instructus, past participle of instruere, from in- + struere to build — more at structure
First Known Use: 15th century
Synonym Discussion of instruct
command, order, bid, enjoin, direct, instruct, charge mean to issue orders. command and order imply authority and usually some degree of formality and impersonality. command stresses official exercise of authority a general commanding troops. order may suggest peremptory or arbitrary exercise ordered his employees about like slaves. bid suggests giving orders peremptorily (as to children or servants) she bade him be seated. enjoin implies giving an order or direction authoritatively and urgently and often with admonition or solicitude a sign enjoining patrons to be quiet. direct and instruct both connote expectation of obedience and usually concern specific points of procedure or method, instruct sometimes implying greater explicitness or formality directed her assistant to hold all calls the judge instructed the jury to ignore the remark. charge adds to enjoin an implication of imposing as a duty or responsibility charged by the President with a secret mission.
Other Education Terms
INSTRUCT Defined for English Language Learners
instruct
playDefinition of instruct for English Language Learners
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: to teach (someone) a subject, skill, etc.
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: to give (someone) an order or command
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law : to give an order or an explanation of a law to (a jury)
INSTRUCT Defined for Kids
instruct
playDefinition of instruct for Students
instructed
;instructing
1 : to give knowledge to : teach A tutor instructs him in math.
2 : to give information to I instructed him that school was closed.
3 : to give directions or commands to She instructed us to stay seated.
Law Dictionary
instruct
Legal Definition of instruct
: to provide (a jury) with explanation and directions regarding the law applicable to a case the judge instructed the jury that the plaintiff bears the burden of proof the jury was instructed to ignore the attorney's comments
: to give instructions to a jury the trial judge refused to instruct on manslaughter — W. R. LaFave and A. W. Scott, Jr.intransitive verb
Learn More about instruct
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See words that rhyme with instruct Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for instruct Spanish Central: Translation of instruct Nglish: Translation of instruct for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of instruct for Arabic speakers
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