instructed

9 synonyms for instructed, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Verb — Past tense and past participle of instruct: told someone officially or firmly to do something.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

directed ordered trained

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

told commanded briefed taught coached tutored

Synonyms by Meaning

1. verb

Past tense and past participle of instruct: told someone officially or firmly to do something.

“The pilot instructed passengers to remain seated.”

told directed ordered commanded briefed

2. verb

Taught someone a subject or skill.

“She instructed new recruits in basic first aid for six years.”

taught trained coached tutored

How to use instructed

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

as instructed instructed to report instructed by the court clearly instructed

Slightly formal; in casual speech people usually say told.

Etymology

Past tense of instruct, from Latin instruere 'to build, arrange, equip or teach', from in- 'in' plus struere 'to pile up, build'.

Full origin of instructed →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between instructed and advised?

Instructed means you were told to do something and were expected to comply. Advised means you were given a recommendation you could reasonably decline. A manager instructs; a consultant advises.

Does 'as instructed' need to say who gave the instruction?

No. 'As instructed' is a standard shorthand meaning 'in the way I was told', and the source is usually clear from context. If it is not clear, name it: 'as instructed by the site manager'.

Is instructed used in law?

Yes, and with a special sense: in British legal usage a client instructs a solicitor or barrister, meaning they formally engage them and give them their brief.

People also searched

ordered directed trained briefed

Nearby words

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