instruct
gb/ɪnstɹˈʌkt/ us/ɪnstɹˈʌkt/
B2
English
~ 8000
utasít, felszólít, oktat, betanít, tanít, útmutatást ad, előír, megbíz, ügyvédet fogad
VERB
B2
FORMAL
1
Usage pattern:
instruct [someone] to [do something]
Management instructed all staff to work from home until further notice.
A vezetőség minden munkatársat arra utasított, hogy további értesítésig otthonról dolgozzon.
The police officer instructed the crowd to move back from the scene.
A rendőr felszólította a tömeget, hogy húzódjon hátrébb a helyszíntől.
Our lawyer has been instructed to file an appeal immediately.
The judge instructed the jury to ignore the last comment.
Passengers were instructed to remain seated with their seat belts fastened.
Learner examples
The teacher instructed the class to open their books.
A tanár felszólította az osztályt, hogy nyissák ki a könyvüket.
My boss instructed me to finish the report today.
A főnököm arra utasított, hogy még ma fejezzem be a jelentést.
We were instructed to wait in the main hall.
The coach instructed the players to warm up.
She instructed him to call her if there was a problem.
Common mistake:
Learners often confuse "instruct" with "teach" and use it in very casual situations (e.g., "He instructed me where the bus stop is"). In everyday conversation, "tell" is usually more natural. Also, learners sometimes say "instruct to someone" instead of the correct pattern "instruct someone to do something".
Meaning
tell someone officially to act
Collocations
instruct someone to do something
|instruct staff to
|instruct employees to
|instruct the jury
|instruct that [clause]
|be instructed to [do something]
Synonyms
direct (Similar level of formality; often used when giving official or professional orders.)
Antonyms
forbid (Means to tell someone officially that they must not do something, the opposite of instructing them to do it.)
Themes
work
|law
|business
|communication
Definition
To tell someone in a serious or official way that they must do something.
To tell someone, especially in an official or authoritative way, that they must do something.
VERB
B2
FORMAL
2
Usage pattern:
instruct [someone] in [a subject/skill]
She instructs new employees in how to use the software.
Betanítja az új alkalmazottakat a szoftver használatára.
The guide will instruct you in basic safety procedures before the climb.
A túravezető a mászás előtt oktatást tart nektek az alapvető biztonsági eljárásokról.
He was instructed in classical piano from an early age.
Volunteers are carefully instructed in how to handle the animals.
The academy instructs pilots in both theory and practice.
Learner examples
He instructs children in English.
Gyerekeket tanít angolra.
The coach instructs the team every morning.
Az edző minden reggel edzi a csapatot.
A trainer will instruct you in how to use the machines.
She was instructed in how to drive safely.
They instructed us in basic first aid.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use "instruct" for any kind of casual teaching between friends or family. In these everyday situations, "teach" or "show" is more natural. Also, learners may forget the preposition "in" and say "instruct someone math" instead of "instruct someone in math".
Meaning
teach a subject or skill
Collocations
instruct students
|instruct trainees
|instruct recruits
|instruct someone in [a subject]
|instruct someone in proper technique
|professionally instruct
Synonyms
teach (More common and less formal; used in almost all situations, while "instruct" suggests structured or official teaching.)
Antonyms
mislead (Means to give someone wrong ideas or information, the opposite of correctly teaching or instructing them.)
Themes
education
|work
|sports
|communication
Definition
To teach someone a skill or school subject in a planned, often formal way.
To teach someone, especially in a formal or organized way, how to do something or to understand a subject.
VERB
B2
3
előír
B2
Usage pattern:
[document/device] instructs [someone] to [do something]
The manual instructs users to restart the device after installation.
A kézikönyv azt írja elő, hogy a telepítés után indítsák újra a készüléket.
The label instructs you to wash the garment by hand only.
A címke előírja, hogy a ruhadarabot csak kézzel szabad mosni.
Signs around the pool instruct guests to shower before swimming.
The online form instructs applicants to upload their documents in PDF format.
The notice instructs residents to boil water before drinking it.
Learner examples
The sign instructs people to wear masks.
A tábla maszkviselést ír elő.
The book instructs the reader to follow three steps.
A könyv három lépés követésére ad útmutatást az olvasónak.
The screen instructs you to enter your password.
The card instructs customers to call this number.
The form instructs you to write your full name.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes think only people can "instruct" and may find it strange when manuals or signs are the subject. In English, it is normal to say that a text or device "instructs" you to do something.
Meaning
give written step-by-step directions
Collocations
the manual instructs users to
|the label instructs you to
|signs instruct visitors to
|the notice instructs residents to
|written guidelines instruct staff to
Synonyms
tell (More general and informal; does not emphasize the step-by-step or written nature as strongly as this sense of "instruct".)
Antonyms
confuse (If instructions are unclear or absent, they confuse instead of clearly instructing someone what to do.)
Themes
technology
|everyday_life
|communication
Definition
When a text, sign, or device tells you what to do or how to do something, usually in steps.
Of a document, device, or message: to tell someone what to do or how to do something, especially in a series of steps.
VERB
C1
TECHNICAL
4
megbíz
B2
Usage pattern:
instruct [a lawyer/barrister/solicitor] to [do something]
The company has instructed a leading law firm to handle the dispute.
A vállalat megbízott egy neves ügyvédi irodát a vita kezelésével.
We instructed counsel to seek an injunction as soon as possible.
Megbíztuk a jogi képviselőnket, hogy minél hamarabb kérje ideiglenes intézkedés elrendelését.
She instructed a solicitor to represent her in the negotiations.
The client instructed his lawyer to file for bankruptcy protection.
Learner examples
The man instructed a lawyer to help him.
A férfi ügyvédet fogadott, hogy segítsen neki.
Our company instructed a new law firm to work on the case.
A cégünk új ügyvédi irodát bízott meg az ügy vitelével.
She instructed a solicitor to write her will.
They instructed their lawyer to start legal action.
Common mistake:
Learners may not realize this is a special legal use. In everyday speech, people usually say "hire a lawyer" or "get a lawyer," not "instruct a lawyer." The verb "instruct" in this sense is common in legal documents and news reports.
Meaning
hire and direct a lawyer
Collocations
instruct a solicitor
|instruct counsel
|instruct a barrister
|instruct your lawyer
|properly instructed counsel
Synonyms
appoint (Means to officially choose someone for a role; in legal contexts, "instruct" also includes giving them directions about the case.)
Antonyms
dismiss (To remove a lawyer from your case, the opposite of formally engaging or instructing them.)
Themes
law
|business
Definition
In legal English, to choose a lawyer to work for you and tell them what legal action to take.
In law, to formally engage a lawyer or law firm to act for you and give them official directions about your case.
Grammar
Dictionary form
instruct
IPA
GB/ɪnstɹˈʌkt/
US/ɪnstɹˈʌkt/
Syllables & stress
in - struct (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (struct)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: instruct
- 3rd Person Singular: instructs
- Present Participle: instructing
- Past: instructed
Word family
Forms
instructs
verb
instructing
verb
instructed
verb
Core family
Related words
instructional
adjective C1
Negative and opposite forms
uninstructive
adjective
Advanced or less common
instructively
adverb
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.