instructional
This is the current revision of this entry, as edited by bogdan on 31 October 2026 at 15:29. This address is a permanent link to this version.
Pronunciation
- /ɪnˈstrʌkʃ(ə)n(ə)l/[1]
Etymology
It is formed from English instruction + -al.[2][3] Instruction is from Anglo-Norman instruccion and instructiō, from instruō (“to arrange, prepare; to teach”), from in- (“on”) and struō (“to pile, build”).[2][3]
Earliest recorded meaning
Of or relating to instruction or teaching: 1801, in W. Taylor's writing in the Monthly Magazine.[2][4][3]
Semantic evolution
From 1832 the adjective also described things used or meant for teaching, and later things that give instructions on how to operate or assemble something.[2][4] The 1989 OED recorded instructional film and instructional television as special uses from 1933, the latter marked as American.[4][4] Used as a noun, an instructional is a film or book made to instruct; the revised OED dates this to 1921.[2]
Timeline
- 1801 – of or relating to instruction.[2][3]
- 1832 – serving to instruct or educate.[2][4]
- 1921 – noun, an instructional film or book.[2]
- 1933 – instructional film, instructional television.[4]
Meanings
Adjective
- Relating to instruction or teaching; educational: the school's instructional budget.[5][2]
- Meant to teach or to give instructions: an instructional video on changing a tyre.[5][2]
Noun
- A film, book or the like made to teach something.[2]
Word family
- noninstructional
Related words
References
- ^ Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Oxford English Dictionary Online (accessed March 2026), Oxford: Oxford University Press
- ^ a b c d Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
- ^ a b c d e f Simpson, J. A.; Weiner, E. S. C., eds. (1989), The Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Clarendon Press
- ^ a b Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary (2024), online ed., Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster