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constructive Definition

con·struc·tive (kən struk′tiv)

adjective

  1. helping to construct; leading to improvements or advances; formative; positive constructive criticism
  2. of construction or structure
  3. inferred or implied by legal or judicial interpretation constructive fraud

Etymology: ML constructivus

constructive Related Forms

con·struc′·tively adverb con·struc′·tive·ness noun

constructive Synonyms

constructive

modif.

useful, helpful, valuable, productive; see effective, helpful 1.

constructive Law Definition

Something that, while not actually true, is imputed by the law to exist or to have occurred and treated as if it were actually so. For example, to say “I’m giving you my car” and to turn over the car keys would probably be considered a constructive delivery of the vehicle itself. See also legal fiction, actual, apparent, and impute.
constructive bailment
See bailment.
constructive contempt
See contempt.
constructive delivery
See delivery.
constructive eviction
See eviction.
constructive fraud
See fraud.
constructive notice
See notice.
constructive service
See service.
constructive trust
See trust.

constructive Usage Examples

Infinitive complement

  • do: Reducing crime depends on helping families, giving young people something constructive to do.
  • offer: That is why I say you seem to have nothing constructive to offer.

Adjective complement with noun phrase

  • do: At last Debbie has done something constructive for Home Farm: she has sent a footballing genius.
  • find: I wait until I find somebody constructive and truthful and is a case, and then I only bash them.
  • give: Reducing crime depends on helping families, giving young people something constructive to do.
  • have: That is why I say you seem to have nothing constructive to offer.
  • make: The Prison Service strives to make the prison experience constructive.

Modifies a noun

  • dismissal: How are claims for breach of contract or constructive dismissal handled?
  • criticism: Any constructive criticisms or ideas for new topics are most welcome.
  • dialog: We hope to have a constructive dialog with Thameslink about these concerns.
  • feedback: Ask the class to give constructive feedback to each group.
  • engagement: What Iraq needs now is constructive engagement from the international community.
  • suggestion: Maybe you can help to improve it by constructive suggestions.

Modifying Another Word

  • socially: However, central and local government should have more courage in their convictions to support plans which are environmentally acceptable and socially constructive.
  • very: Updates Defra useful, very constructive see Fiona's e-mail for further details.
  • extremely: Testimonials " The AMP Program at Impact Arts was an extremely constructive thing to be part of.
  • highly: I hope to represent you in a positive and highly constructive way.
  • forward: She was also the only candidate to put forward constructive policies for reducing traffic on London Road near Six Ways.
  • particularly: Museums feel that they would like more feedback ( particularly constructive criticism ) from schools following a visit or outreach session.

Used with adjective complement

remain: To ensure the content on our message boards remains legal and the debate remains constructive, a handful of message boards are moderated.