Antonyms for constructive


Grammar : Adj
Spell : kuhn-struhk-tiv
Phonetic Transcription : kənˈstrʌk tɪv


Definition of constructive

Origin :
  • early 15c., "derived by interpretation," from Middle French constructif or from Medieval Latin constructivus, from Latin construct-, past participle stem of construere "to heap up" (see construction). Meaning "pertaining to construction" is from 1817; "having the quality of constructing" is from 1841. Related: Constructively. Constructive criticism is attested by 1841.
  • adj helpful
Example sentences :
  • Vaucanson was a man of the highest order of constructive genius.
  • Extract from : « Self-Help » by Samuel Smiles
  • He is fertile in plan and constructive in method because he has creative imagination.
  • Extract from : « Herbert Hoover » by Vernon Kellogg
  • The field is almost virgin, and the need for constructive programs is acute.
  • Extract from : « College Teaching » by Paul Klapper
  • With a fifty-dollar teacher, constructive work was likely lacking.
  • Extract from : « Rural Life and the Rural School » by Joseph Kennedy
  • We see at once that that doctrine was not negative but positive and constructive.
  • Extract from : « History of Religion » by Allan Menzies
  • The new mayor had a constructive imagination and did not fear big ideas.
  • Extract from : « A Woman for Mayor » by Helen M. Winslow
  • For three generations now our family have pursued a constructive policy.
  • Extract from : « Sonnie-Boy's People » by James B. Connolly
  • Criticism, "A constructive critic of the book," 38-43;not opposed by artists, 62.
  • Extract from : « The Booklover and His Books » by Harry Lyman Koopman
  • The child's reading should be constructive rather than destructive.
  • Extract from : « Children and Their Books » by James Hosmer Penniman
  • You could use this approach, but I don't think it's the most constructive one.
  • Extract from : « A Practical Guide to Self-Hypnosis » by Melvin Powers

Synonyms for constructive

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019