adj
Uncommon
formative
FAW-muh-tihv
Formative (adj) means having a strong influence on how someone or something develops. Example: “Her formative years were spent traveling with her parents.”
adj
1
Having a strong influence on how someone or something develops.
"Her formative years were spent traveling with her parents."
"Reading widely as a child had a formative effect on his writing."
2
Describing an assessment used to guide ongoing learning rather than to grade final results.
"Teachers use formative feedback to help students improve before the final exam."
How to use formative
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishShaping or influencing development, especially at an early or important stage.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
formative years
formative experience
formative assessment
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Word forms
- Plural
- formatives
- Comparative
- more formative
- Superlative
- most formative
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Her _____ years were spent traveling with her parents.
Etymology
From Latin formativus, "having the power to form," from formare, "to shape."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for formative
See all rhymes for formative →Frequently asked questions
What does “formative” mean?
The word “formative” means having a strong influence on how someone or something develops. In plain terms, shaping or influencing development, especially at an early or important stage.
How do you pronounce “formative”?
“Formative” is pronounced FAW-muh-tihv (/ˈfoɹmətɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “formative” in a sentence?
Here is “formative” used in a sentence: “Her formative years were spent traveling with her parents.”
What part of speech is “formative”?
“Formative” is an adjective.
Where does the word “formative” come from?
The word “formative” comes from Latin. From Latin formativus, "having the power to form," from formare, "to shape.".
Is “formative” a common word?
“Formative” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “formative” have?
“Formative” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: having a strong influence on how someone or something develops.
