verb B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

instruct

ihn-STRUHKT

Instruct (verb) means to teach someone a skill or subject. Example: “She instructs new pilots on emergency procedures.”

verb

To teach someone a skill or subject.

"She instructs new pilots on emergency procedures."

To formally tell someone what to do, often with authority behind it.

"The judge instructed the jury to disregard the comment."

"He instructed his assistant to cancel all meetings for the day."

How to use instruct

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo teach, or to give someone a formal order or directive.

Common pairings

instruct a jury instruct staff instructed to

instructed past tense, instructs plural, instructs singular

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Can you complete this real example?

She _____ new pilots on emergency procedures.

From Latin instructus, past participle of instruere, "to build, arrange, or equip."

Origin: Latin

teach train direct order command educate

school point power head order control lead straight

What does “instruct” mean?

The word “instruct” means to teach someone a skill or subject. In plain terms, to teach, or to give someone a formal order or directive.

How do you pronounce “instruct”?

“Instruct” is pronounced ihn-STRUHKT (/ɪnˈstɹʌkt/ in IPA).

How do you use “instruct” in a sentence?

Here is “instruct” used in a sentence: “She instructs new pilots on emergency procedures.”

What part of speech is “instruct”?

“Instruct” is a verb.

Where does the word “instruct” come from?

The word “instruct” comes from Latin. From Latin instructus, past participle of instruere, "to build, arrange, or equip.".

Is “instruct” a common word?

“Instruct” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “instruct” have?

“Instruct” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to teach someone a skill or subject.

school point power head order control lead straight