An instruction is something that someone tells you to do.
Two lawyers were told not to leave the building but no reason for this instructionwas given.
Synonyms: order, ruling, command, rule More Synonyms of instruction
2. uncountable noun
If someone gives you instruction in a subject or skill, they teach it to you.
[formal]
Each candidate is given instruction in safety. [+ in]
All schoolchildren must now receive some religious instruction.
Synonyms: teaching, schooling, training, classes More Synonyms of instruction
3. plural noun
Instructions are clear and detailed information on how to do something.
Always read the instructions before you start taking the medicine.
More Synonyms of instruction
instruction in British English
(ɪnˈstrʌkʃən)
noun
1.
a direction; order
2.
the process or act of imparting knowledge; teaching; education
3. computing
a part of a program consisting of a coded command to the computer to perform a specified function
Derived forms
instructional (inˈstructional)
adjective
instruction in American English
(ɪnˈstrʌkʃən)
noun
1.
the act of instructing; education
2.
a.
knowledge, information, etc. given or taught
b.
any teaching, lesson, rule, or precept
3.
a.
a command or order
b.
any of the sequence of steps to be followed, as in doing, using, or operating something
usually used in pl.
c.
a sequence of bits specifying an operation to be performed by a computer
Derived forms
instructional (inˈstructional)
adjective
Word origin
ME instruccioun < OFr instruccion < L instructio
COBUILD Collocations
instruction
clear instruction
simple instruction
Examples of 'instruction' in a sentence
instruction
Just follow the instructions below to apply by post using the tokens we have been printing daily.
The Sun (2016)
Referees are under strict instructions to deal with this sort of thing.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
This person can give instructions on how the account is run.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Read the instructions carefully, because controls vary.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
For the tenth month running, there was no rise in the number of members reporting new instructions to sell homes.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
He blamed'an aberration by a member of staff who failed to understand this clear instruction '.
The Sun (2017)
This second passenger had been in the emergency row and, luckily, had the presence of mind to read the instructions after we hit the birds.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
They will then be sent to the local exchanges, where instructions will be received for the calling up of volunteers, who will be classified according to occupation.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
That meant that counsel would need detailed instructions.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Teams like the freedom to give drivers instructions because it is a team sport.
The Sun (2013)
He receives instruction on how to attack the defensive schemes.
Christianity Today (2000)
They have clear instructions not to prolong my death.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Give clear instructions but then leave them to ask for your help only when they need it.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
They had to obey strict security instructions or be expelled.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The dearth of new instructions is also evident in other parts of the country.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Controversy is a part of health instruction for a number of reasons.
McKenzie, James F. & Pinger, Robert R. An Introduction to Community Health (1995)
This set of instructions is now normally controlled by a computer.
Chapman, C. & Horsley, M. & Small, E. Technology Basic Facts (1990)
The months that followed were filled with religious instruction and military training.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
But you must follow the instructions to the letter to get the best results.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Make sure you give instructions to move your money because you will get a better deal elsewhere.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
The instructions are clear and simple to follow.
The Sun (2011)
The firm are introducing a lighter base and more detailed cooking instructions to help consumers get better results.
The Sun (2011)
In China they are used to instruction and direction.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Just give me the proper instructions, and leave it all to me.
Veronica Buckley CHRISTINA QUEEN OF SWEDEN: The Restless Life of a European Eccentric (2004)
In contrast, externally referenced people take their standards more from the outside and seek direction and instruction from others.
O'Connor, Joseph & Seymour, John Training with N.L.P. (1994)
The subconscious receives no instruction from the conscious to look for the stored, relevant information, so it is not supplied.
Austin, Valerie Self-Hypnosis (1994)
In other languages
instruction
British English: instruction NOUN
An instruction is something that someone tells you to do.
Two lawyers were told not to leave the building but no reason for this instruction was given.
American English: instruction
Brazilian Portuguese: instrução
Chinese: 指示
European Spanish: instrucción
French: instruction
German: Instruktion
Italian: istruzione
Japanese: 指図
Korean: 지시
European Portuguese: instrução
Latin American Spanish: instrucción
All related terms of 'instruction'
branch instruction
a machine-language or assembly-language instruction that causes the computer to branch to another instruction
clear instruction
An instruction is something that someone tells you to do.
instruction book
a booklet or book, usually accompanying an appliance , device, computer game or vehicle, which contains written guidelines informing how to use it
instruction manual
a booklet or book, usually accompanying an appliance , device, computer game or vehicle, which contains written guidelines informing how to use it
macro instruction
a macro lens
simple instruction
An instruction is something that someone tells you to do.
instruction booklet
a booklet or book, usually accompanying an appliance , device, computer game or vehicle, which contains written guidelines informing how to use it
programmed instruction
instruction in which individual students answer questions about a unit of study at their own rate , checking their own answers and advancing only after answering correctly
religious instruction
an education in a school which places a strong emphasis on the beliefs associated with a particular religion
individualized instruction
a teaching method tailored to the skills , abilities , and interests of the individual student
reduced instruction set computer
a computer that works on a kind of architecture that has a relatively small set of computer instructions that it can perform
reduced instruction set computing
a kind of computer architecture that has a relatively small set of computer instructions that it can perform
Chinese translation of 'instruction'
instruction
(ɪnˈstrʌkʃən)
n(u)
(teaching) 教育 (jiàoyù)
cpd
[manual, leaflet]说(說)明 (shuōmíng)
Derived Forms
instructionsn pl
(= orders) 指示 (zhǐshì)
(= directions) (on label, in manual) 说(說)明 (shuōmíng)
1 (noun)
Definition
a direction or order
No reason for this instruction was given.
Synonyms
order
Mr North had been arrested on the orders of the Spanish government.
ruling
command
The tanker failed to respond to a command to stop.
rule
the rule against retrospective prosecution
demand
He grew ever more fierce in his demands.
direction
regulation
new safety regulations
dictate
They must abide by the dictates of the new government.
decree
He issued a decree ordering all unofficial armed groups to disband.
mandate
The union already has a mandate to ballot for a strike.
directive
Thanks to a new directive, labelling will be more specific.
injunction
He took out a court injunction against the newspaper.
behest
2 (noun)
Definition
the process or act of teaching
Each candidate is given instruction in safety.
Synonyms
teaching
schooling
the schooling of horses
training
He had no formal training as a decorator.
She will soon be back in training for next year.
classes
grounding
The degree provides a thorough grounding in both mathematics and statistics.
education
institutions for the care and education of children
coaching
lesson(s)
discipline
preparation
drilling
guidance
They improve their performance under the guidance of professional coaches.
tutoring
tuition
The courses will give the beginner personal tuition.
enlightenment
We set off for the East in search of spiritual enlightenment.
apprenticeship
tutorials
tutelage (formal)
This period of tutelage was indispensable for the territories.
(plural noun)
Definition
information on how to do or use something
This book gives instructions for making a variety of hand creams.
Synonyms
information
rules
advice
directions
Don't throw away the directions until we've finished cooking.
recommendations
guidance
specifications
Additional synonyms
in the sense of command
Definition
an authoritative instruction that something must be done
The tanker failed to respond to a command to stop.
Synonyms
order,
demand,
direction,
instruction,
dictate,
requirement,
decree,
bidding,
mandate,
canon,
directive,
injunction,
fiat,
ultimatum,
commandment,
edict,
behest,
precept
in the sense of decree
Definition
a law made by someone in authority
He issued a decree ordering all unofficial armed groups to disband.