instruction
ihn-STRUHK-shuhn
Instruction (noun) means a statement telling someone what to do, or a set of such statements. Example: “The pilot followed the instruction from the control tower and turned left.”
noun
1
A statement telling someone what to do, or a set of such statements.
"The pilot followed the instruction from the control tower and turned left."
"I gave the babysitter clear instructions about bedtime and what the children could eat."
"Read the instructions before assembling the shelf."
2
The act or process of teaching.
"She received private instruction in the violin from the age of six."
"Good instruction in first aid can help save lives."
"The course includes ten hours of hands-on instruction."
3
(computing) A single basic operation carried out by a computer processor.
"Each instruction in the program tells the processor to move or compare some data."
"A faulty instruction caused the old computer to freeze."
"The chip can execute billions of instructions per second."
How to use instruction
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a directive telling you what to do, or the teaching process itself.
Common pairings
follow instructions
give instructions
under instruction
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Word forms
- Plural
- instructions
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The pilot followed the _____ from the control tower and turned left.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for instruction
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for instruction →
Frequently asked questions
What does “instruction” mean?
The word “instruction” means a statement telling someone what to do, or a set of such statements. In plain terms, either a directive telling you what to do, or the teaching process itself.
How do you pronounce “instruction”?
“Instruction” is pronounced ihn-STRUHK-shuhn (/ɪnˈstɹʌkʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “instruction” in a sentence?
Here is “instruction” used in a sentence: “Read the instructions before assembling the shelf.”
What is another word for “instruction”?
Words with a similar meaning to “instruction” include advice, counsel, education, indoctrination, information and teaching.
What part of speech is “instruction”?
“Instruction” is a noun.
Is “instruction” a common word?
“Instruction” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “instruction” have?
“Instruction” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a statement telling someone what to do, or a set of such statements.
What is the difference between "instruction" and "instructions"?
In the singular, "instruction" often refers to teaching or guidance in general, as in "driving instruction." The plural "instructions" usually names a specific set of steps telling someone how to do something, such as the instructions printed on a package.
What is the difference between "instruction" and "direction"?
Both involve telling someone what to do, but "instruction" tends to be more detailed and teaching-oriented, explaining how something should be done. "Direction" often points someone toward a goal or route, as when you ask for directions to a place.
When should you use "instruction" instead of "order"?
An "instruction" tells someone what to do and often how to do it, and it can carry a teaching purpose. An "order" is a firmer command that expects obedience, usually from someone in authority, and does not normally include an explanation.
What prepositions are commonly used with "instruction"?
"Instruction" is often followed by "in" when it refers to teaching a subject, as in "instruction in mathematics." It also pairs with "on" or "for" when giving guidance, as in "instructions on how to apply" or "instructions for use."
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