formative

The definition of formative is something that shaped or taught a person.

(adjective)

An example of something formative is the difficult childhood of a wise adult; a formative childhood.

See formative in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

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

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

noun

Linguis. a bound form, as a prefix or suffix

Related Forms:

See formative in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Forming or capable of forming.
a. Susceptible to transformation by growth and development.
b. Biology Capable of producing new cells or tissue.
Of or relating to formation, growth, or development: the formative stages of a plot.
Linguistics Relating to the formation or inflection of words.

noun
Grammar

A derivational or inflectional affix.

Related Forms: