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HOW TO PRONOUNCE

constructive

/kənˈstɹʌktɪv/

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American Pronunciation Guide · 0:47
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What does constructive mean?

adjective

  1. Relating to or causing construction.
  2. Carefully considered and meant to be helpful.
  3. Serving a useful purpose.
More meanings (2)

adjective

  1. Deemed after the fact to exist or to have occurred, despite the formal process not having been followed; often when there was no intention to do so at the time.
  2. Not direct or expressed, but inferred.

Definitions regrouped for readability · CC BY-SA 4.0

IPA pronunciation

/kənˈstɹʌktɪv/

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary

Pronunciation varies by speaker and region. About these dictionary pronunciations.

In the pages of books

See this word in context.

The positive and constructive aspect of possibility gives the key to understanding the two chief traits of immaturity, dependence and plasticity.
John DeweyDemocracy and Education: An Introduction to the Philosophy of EducationProject Gutenberg ebook #852
His statement added to that previously given by the lawyer aroused in us great interest concerning the constructive possibilities of the case.
William Healy; Mary Tenney HealyPathology of Lying, Accusation, and Swindling: A Study in Forensic PsychologyProject Gutenberg ebook #449
More book examples (3)
There were also hung upon the walls, or placed upon shelves, many treasured relics of the first embodiments of his constructive genius.
James NasmythJames Nasmyth, Engineer: An AutobiographyProject Gutenberg ebook #476
Constructive occurrence,” by means of which the correct thing may possibly be discovered in the way of combining, inferring, comparing and testing.
Hans GrossCriminal Psychology: A Manual for Judges, Practitioners, and StudentsTranslated by Horace Meyer KallenProject Gutenberg ebook #1320
All countries, including our own, will greatly benefit from a constructive program for the better use of the world's human and natural resources.
United States. PresidentsUnited States Presidents' Inaugural Speeches: From Washington to George W. BushProject Gutenberg ebook #925