instruct
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ɪnˈstrʌkt/
KK: /ɪnˈstrʌkt/
intransitive verb
Definition
To act as a teacher or guide, providing knowledge or skills to others.
Example
She will instruct the students on how to use the new software.
Tense Forms
Past: instructed
Past Participle: instructed
Conversation
I heard you might instruct a cooking class this weekend.
Yeah, I’m really looking forward to it!
That sounds exciting! What will you instruct them to make?
I'm thinking about teaching them how to make pasta from scratch.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
teach
guide
train
Antonyms
mislead
confuse
neglect
transitive verb
Definition
To give someone information or skills so that they can learn or do something.
Example
The teacher will instruct the students on how to solve the math problems.
Tense Forms
Past: instructed
Past Participle: instructed
Conversation
Have you ever thought about how teachers instruct their students?
Yeah, I find it fascinating how they keep everyone engaged.
I think it's important to instruct in a way that makes learning fun.
Root Explanation
Instruct → It is formed from "in-" (meaning into) and "struere" (meaning to build). The word means to build knowledge or skills into someone, essentially teaching or guiding them.
Memory Tip
Think of 'building knowledge' ('struere') into someone ('in-') — that's why instruct means to teach.
Visually Confused Words
reinstruct
preinstruct
misinstruct
construct
uninstructed
overinstruct
misconstruct
intrust