Instructed
ɪnˈstrʌktɪd
Definitions
2 meaningsTo give someone specific orders or directions about what to do.
ɪnˈstrʌktɪd
To give someone an order or direction
The manager instructed the team to complete the task by Friday.
💡 Simply: Think of your boss telling you exactly what to do for a project. They're *instructing* you. It's like giving step-by-step directions.
👶 For kids: To tell someone how to do something.
More Examples
She was instructed to stay in bed until the fever subsided.
The pilot instructed the passengers to fasten their seatbelts.
The doctor instructed him to take the medicine twice a day.
How It's Used
"The judge instructed the jury to disregard the witness's statement."
"The teacher instructed the students on the proper use of the equipment."
To impart knowledge or skill to someone; educate.
ɪnˈstrʌktɪd
To supply information.
The website instructed users on how to create an account.
💡 Simply: Imagine a guide leading a tour. They *instruct* by providing information to a group of people.
👶 For kids: To give someone information.
More Examples
The professor instructed students on the fundamentals of physics.
The manual instructed me to check the connection first.
She instructed the computer to generate the report.
How It's Used
"The program was instructed to retrieve the data."
"She instructed the students on the subject matter."
Synonyms
Advise
Command
Direct
Guide
Coach
Educate
Enlighten
Explain
Inform
Idioms & expressions
instruction manual
A booklet or document that provides detailed information on how to use a product or perform a task.
"I had to read the instruction manual to set up the new TV."
under instruction
Following the guidance or orders of someone else.
"The lawyer acted under the instructions of their client."
From Middle English *instructen*, from Latin *īnstruō* ('to build, arrange, inform, teach'), from *in-* ('in, on') + *struō* ('to build').
The word 'instruct' has been used since the 14th century, originally referring to teaching or giving orders. It's evolved to encompass a wider range of conveying information.
Memory tip
Imagine a teacher with a pointer, giving specific instructions. They are *instructing*.