constructive

Everyday

1. Helpful and useful, aiming to improve something: constructive criticism. tree →
2. Building up rather than breaking down: a constructive discussion. tree →

In the lessons

In school, feedback should be constructive: say what is good and how to make work better, not just what is wrong. In group work and citizenship, constructive talk helps solve problems. Phrases: constructive criticism, constructive feedback, constructive suggestion.

Examples

• Our teacher gives constructive feedback on our stories. tree →
• "Your ending is exciting; maybe add more detail in the middle" is constructive criticism. tree →
• We had a constructive talk about the playground rules. tree →
• Try to be constructive, not just negative. tree →
• The meeting was constructive and we made a plan. tree →
• She made a constructive suggestion to save time. tree →

Note

Adverb: constructively. Opposite: destructive or unhelpful. Constructive criticism is kind and specific, not insulting.