Word
instruction
Phoneticsin·struc·tion, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪnˈstɹəkʃən/
UK/ɪnstɹˈʌkʃən/
Definitions
01teaching or training
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun Formal
n. the act of teaching someone a subject or a skill.
n. the process of providing information, knowledge, or training in a structured manner.
日本語:指導※
“The course provides basic instruction in how to use the software.”
“The curriculum focuses on individualized instruction, ensuring that each student masters the fundamental concepts before moving to advanced theory.”
Usage
Often used as an uncountable noun in this sense.
02directions for use
A2 · Elementary Plural noun
n. a set of steps that tell you how to do or use something.
n. a detailed set of directions provided to guide a user through a specific task or the operation of a device.
日本語:手順※
“I followed the instructions on the box to build the bookshelf.”
“The assembly instructions were translated poorly, leading to significant confusion among the technicians during the initial setup phase.”
Pitfall
I read the instruction for the camera.
I read the instructions for the camera.
When referring to the printed steps in a manual, the word is almost always used in the plural form.
Synonyms
03an order
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun
n. an official order telling someone what they must do.
n. a specific command or directive issued by an authority figure or client.
日本語:命令※
“The soldiers had strict instructions not to fire unless attacked.”
“The legal team awaited further instructions from the client before filing the formal appeal with the high court.”
04computing command
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Computing Technical
n. a single command that tells a computer what to do.
n. a basic command or operation defined by a computer's architecture that the processor can execute.
“The processor can execute millions of instructions every second.”
“The compiler optimizes the code by reducing the total number of instructions required to perform the calculation, thereby increasing execution speed.”
Usage
Countable in this technical context.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “instruction” in context.
Etymology
From Middle English instruccioun, from Old French instruccion, from Latin instructio; equivalent to instruct + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A2 · ElementaryOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/instruction
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0