Instruct — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /in-ˈstrəkt/ in·struct

Meaning & Definition of Instruct

Instruct (verb)

  1. to give knowledge to, teach, train
  2. to provide with authoritative information or advice
  3. to give an order or command to, direct

Instruct (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to cause to acquire knowledge or skill in some field

    "spent his military career instructing young pilots"

    similar: educate, indoctrinate, lesson, school, teach, train, tutor
    related: coach, mentor, drill, fit, ground, habilitate, prepare, prime, qualify, direct, guide, lead, rear, catechize, lecture, moralize, preach, implant, inculcate, instill, homeschool, edify, enlighten, brief, familiarize, impart (to), inform, verse, initiate, introduce, show, reeducate, reschool, reteach, retrain

  2. to give information to

    "instructed everyone in the use of the new telephone system"

    similar: acquaint, advise, apprise, brief, catch up, clear, clue (in), enlighten, familiarize, fill in, hip, inform, tell, verse, wise (up), keep (someone) posted, let someone know
    related: advertise, alert, notify, announce (to), disclose (to), assure, certify, convince, reassure, warrant, educate, lecture, school, teach, tutor, disabuse, disenchant, disillusion, undeceive
    near: misinform, mislead

  3. to issue orders to (someone) by right of authority

    "the proctors instructed everyone to put their pencils down and hand in their tests"

    similar: adjure, bid, boss (around), charge, command, direct, enjoin, order, tell
    related: ask, petition, request, beg, beseech, entreat, advise, counsel, warn, appoint, assign, authorize, commission, oversee, superintend, supervise, conduct, control, lead, manage, coerce, compel, constrain, force, oblige, require
    opposite: mind, obey
    near: comply (with), follow, keep, observe

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Instruct

The most common words with a similar meaning to Instruct:

educate, indoctrinate, lesson, school, teach, train, tutor, acquaint, advise, apprise, brief, catch up, clear, clue (in), enlighten, familiarize, fill in, hip, inform, tell, verse, wise (up), adjure, bid, boss (around), charge, command, direct, enjoin, order, keep (someone) posted, let someone know

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Instruct

Words with the opposite meaning of Instruct:

mind, obey

Related Words for Instruct

coach, mentor, drill, fit, ground, habilitate, prepare, prime, qualify, guide, lead, rear, catechize, lecture, moralize, preach, implant, inculcate, instill, homeschool, edify, impart (to), initiate, introduce, show, reeducate, reschool, reteach, retrain, advertise

Near Antonyms of Instruct

misinform, mislead, comply (with), follow, keep, observe

Word Forms of Instruct

Inflections: instructed, instructing, instructs

Origin & Etymology of Instruct

Middle English, from Latin instructus, past participle of instruere, from in- + struere to build structure

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Instruct

Frequently Asked Questions about Instruct

What does "Instruct" mean?

"Instruct" means to give knowledge to, teach, train. As a verb, it is defined as: to give knowledge to, teach, train. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Instruct"?

Other words for "Instruct" include educate, indoctrinate, lesson, school, teach, train, tutor and acquaint. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Instruct" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Instruct"?

There are 99 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Instruct". Common alternatives include educate, indoctrinate, lesson, school, teach, train, tutor, acquaint, advise and apprise.

What is the opposite of "Instruct"?

Antonyms of "Instruct" include mind and obey. Near antonyms include misinform, mislead, comply (with) and follow.

How do you use "Instruct" in a sentence?

Examples of "Instruct" in a sentence: "spent his military career instructing young pilots"; "instructed everyone in the use of the new telephone system"; "the proctors instructed everyone to put their pencils down and hand in their tests".

Is "Instruct" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Instruct" is a verb.

Is "Instruct" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Instruct" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Instruct"?

"Instruct" is pronounced /in-ˈstrəkt/ and divided into syllables as in·struct.