What does constructive mean?

Definitions for constructive
kənˈstrʌk tɪvcon·struc·tive

This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word constructive.

Princeton's WordNet

  1. constructiveadjective

    constructing or tending to construct or improve or promote development

    "constructive criticism"; "a constructive attitude"; "a constructive philosophy"; "constructive permission"

  2. constructiveadjective

    emphasizing what is laudable or hopeful or to the good

    "constructive criticism"

GCIDE

  1. Constructiveadjective

    helpful; promoting improvement; intended to help; as, constructive criticism; constructive suggestions. Contrasted with destructive.

Wiktionary

  1. constructiveadjective

    Relating to construction.

  2. constructiveadjective

    Carefully considered and meant to be helpful.

  3. constructiveadjective

    Imputed by law; created to give legal effect to something for equitable reasons, as with constructive notice or a constructive trust.

Wikipedia

  1. Constructive

    Although the general English usage of the adjective constructive is "helping to develop or improve something; helpful to someone, instead of upsetting and negative," as in the phrase "constructive criticism," in legal writing constructive has a different meaning.

ChatGPT

  1. constructive

    Constructive refers to something that is helpful or beneficial, often contributing to progress, improvement, or the achievement of a specific goal. It can also refer to a way of expressing opinions or criticism in a positive manner that encourages development, growth or positive change. In mathematics or logic, constructive refers to theories or methods that prove the existence of a mathematical object by creating or providing a method for creating it.

Webster Dictionary

  1. Constructiveadjective

    having ability to construct or form; employed in construction; as, to exhibit constructive power

  2. Constructiveadjective

    derived from, or depending on, construction or interpretation; not directly expressed, but inferred

  3. Etymology: [Cf. F. constructif.]

Editors Contribution

  1. constructive

    Accurate, specific and responsible feedback to enable accurate solidarity, cohesion, improvement, stability, unity and teamwork.

    Constructive feedback is always welcomed when it's given with love, empathy and understanding.


    Submitted by MaryC on March 22, 2020  

Usage in printed sourcesFrom: 

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Numerology

  1. Chaldean Numerology

    The numerical value of constructive in Chaldean Numerology is: 4

  2. Pythagorean Numerology

    The numerical value of constructive in Pythagorean Numerology is: 7

Examples of constructive in a Sentence

  1. Prakash Sakpal:

    We don't see any quick end to this state of the markets until we see some resolution, constructive dialogue and something very solid in terms of deals. But the hopes for that are a bit misplaced currently.

  2. Richard Livingstone:

    There is no virtue in being uncritical nor is it a habit to which the young are given. But criticism is only the burying beetle that gets rid of what is dead, and, since the world lives by creative and constructive forces, and not by negation and destruction, it is better to grow up in the company of prophets than of critics.

  3. Robert Santangelo:

    Investors are taking a constructive view on mid-to-long-term oil prices, for well-capitalized companies, investors are looking through the low-point implied by the current STRIP, under the belief that unconventional US oil producers survive current low price environment and operate in a more realistic mid-cycle pricing.

  4. John Kerry:

    Right now we're trying to have a constructive conversation with everybody, in the end, though, this isn't up to the international community or others.

  5. Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird:

    I would characterize the meeting as constructive and worthwhile, and we look forward to resolving that issue. It's still not resolved today, but that’s why I came, this is a complex case … (The) minister understands how important this is to me, to all Canadians. I thought today’s meeting was a very constructive step on the road to a successful resolution.

Popularity rank by frequency of use

constructive#10000#12703#100000

Translations for constructive

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"constructive." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2025. Web. 9 Feb. 2025. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/constructive>.

Discuss these constructive definitions with the community:

1 Comment
  • Gretchen Violet Kirsch
    Gretchen Violet Kirsch
    what does it mean in science.
    LikeReply10 years ago

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