formative Hear it!

formative definition

forma·tive (fôr′mə tiv)

adjective

  1. giving or able to give form; helping to shape, develop, or mold the formative influence of a teacher
  2. of formation or development a child's formative years
  3. Linguis. serving to form words, as a prefix or suffix

Etymology: OFr formatif < ML formativus < L formatus, pp. of formare: see form

noun

Linguis. a bound form, as a prefix or suffix

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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