constructive
UK[kənˈstrʌktɪv]US[kənˈstrʌktɪv]
adj
having a useful and helpful effect rather than being negative or with no purpose
adj
relating to construction, or the process of building something
Morpheme Breakdown
con
struct
ive
con
together
struct
to build
ive
adjective suffix
Etymology
the word "constructive" is built upon the latin verb struere, meaning "to pile, to build, to arrange," which itself may trace back to the pie root stere- meaning "to spread." the prefix con- intensifies this to mean "to build together, to assemble." the adjective suffix -ivus was added to form constructivus in late latin, meaning "pertaining to building." this literal sense of physical construction evolved in english to the more abstract meaning of "building up" ideas, arguments, or character, leading to its modern primary sense of being useful, helpful, and positive in effect.
Analysis
Structure: con (together) + struct (to build) + ive (adjective suffix)
- con: from latin, a prefix meaning "together, with".
- struct: from latin structus, the past participle of struere, meaning "to pile up, to build, to assemble".
- ive: from latin -ivus, an adjective-forming suffix meaning "pertaining to, tending to".
Examples
i welcome any constructive criticism that helps me improve my work.
the meeting was very constructive, and we came up with a solid plan.
the judge ruled that the defendant's actions were not constructive and dismissed the claim.