instruction

/ɪnˈstrʌkʃən/
nounIntermediate
general

a command or set of commands telling someone what to do

Follow the instructions carefully to assemble the furniture.

Read and follow the steps precisely to put the furniture together.

💡

Often used in manuals, recipes, or educational settings.

educational

a teaching or lesson given to someone

The coach gave detailed instructions on proper form for the exercise.

The coach explained the correct technique for performing the exercise.

💡

Common in sports, music, or other skill-based learning.

⚖️Law
formal

a legal order or directive, often from a court

The judge issued instructions to the jury before deliberations.

The judge provided guidelines to the jury before they began discussing the case.

💡

Used in legal proceedings to guide decision-making.

Collocations

follow instructionsto obey or carry out directionsclear instructionsdirections that are easy to understandwritten instructionsdirections provided in text form

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

instructions for usephrase
directions on how to operate something
instructions manualphrase
a booklet with step-by-step guidance

💡Pro Tip

Clarity is key

Good instructions should be clear, concise, and easy to follow.

Gold Rule

Precision

Instructions should leave no room for ambiguity, especially in technical or legal contexts.

📖Word Origin

From Latin 'instructio,' meaning 'a building up, instruction,' from 'instruere' (to build, arrange, teach).

📝Usage Notes

Can refer to both written and verbal directions. Often used in contexts where precise steps must be followed.

Word Breakdown

in-
into, within
prefix
+
-struct-
build, arrange
root
+
-tion
action or process
suffix
English Dictionary