Definition of formative Formative

/fɔˈɹmʌtɪv/ - [formutiv] - form•a•tive

We found 14 definitions of formative from 4 different sources.

What does formative mean?

Noun Plural: formatives
formative - minimal language unit that has a syntactic (or morphological) function
Adjective
formative - forming or capable of forming or molding or fashioning; "a formative influence"; "a formative experience"
		shaping, plastic
		constructive constructing or tending to construct or improve or promote development; "constructive criticism"; "a constructive attitude"; "a constructive philosophy"; "constructive permission"
formative - capable of forming new cells and tissues; "a formative zone in developing bone"
		constructive constructing or tending to construct or improve or promote development; "constructive criticism"; "a constructive attitude"; "a constructive philosophy"; "constructive permission"

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formative (Noun)
A language unit that has morphological function.
formative (Adjective)
Of or pertaining to the formation and subsequent growth of something.
formative (Adjective)
Capable of forming something.
formative (Adjective)
Capable of producing new tissue.
formative (Adjective)
Pertaining to the inflection of words.

formative (a.)
Giving form; having the power of giving form; plastic; as, the formative arts.
formative (a.)
Serving to form; derivative; not radical; as, a termination merely formative.
formative (a.)
Capable of growth and development; germinal; as, living or formative matter.
formative (n.)
That which serves merely to give form, and is no part of the radical, as the prefix or the termination of a word.
formative (n.)
A word formed in accordance with some rule or usage, as from a root.