instruction
gb/ɪnstɹˈʌkʃən/ us/ɪnstɹˈʌkʃən/
A2
English
~ 1700
utasítás, útmutató, oktatás, gépi utasítás
NOUN
A2
1
Usage pattern:
to give [someone] instructions
The teacher gave clear instructions for the homework.
A tanár világos utasításokat adott a házi feladathoz.
Please read the safety instructions before using the machine.
Kérjük, a gép használata előtt olvassa el a biztonsági utasításokat.
The manual contains detailed instructions for installation.
He followed the instructions carefully and built the model.
I don’t understand these instructions; can you explain them?
Learner examples
The teacher gave instructions for the game.
A tanár utasításokat adott a játékhoz.
Please follow the instructions on the box.
Kérjük, kövesse a dobozon található utasításokat.
I read the instructions before I started.
She gave me instructions to find her house.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'instruction' (countable) with 'education' (uncountable). For example, 'I need more instructions in math' should usually be 'I need more instruction in math' when meaning teaching.
Meaning
Direction on how to do something
Collocations
follow instructions
|give instructions
|clear instructions
|written instructions
|step-by-step instructions
Synonyms
direction (Often used interchangeably, but 'direction' can also mean general guidance rather than specific steps.)
Antonyms
question (A request for information, rather than telling someone what to do.)
Themes
daily life
|education
|workplace
|daily_life
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Words that tell you what to do or how to do it.
A statement or set of statements that tells someone what to do or how to do something.
NOUN
B1
2
oktatás
B1
She received instruction in piano from a famous musician.
Egy híres zenésztől kapott zongoraoktatást.
The course offers instruction in basic computer skills.
A tanfolyam alapvető számítógépes ismeretek oktatását nyújtja.
Driving instruction is required before taking the test.
The school provides instruction in both English and Spanish.
Learner examples
I get English instruction at school.
Az iskolában angoloktatást kapok.
He gives instruction in swimming.
Úszásoktatást tart.
The class gives instruction in cooking.
They offer driving instruction for beginners.
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse 'instructions' in plural when referring to teaching, but in this sense it is usually uncountable ('instruction').
Meaning
Act of teaching or training
Collocations
language instruction
|military instruction
|music instruction
|driver instruction
Synonyms
teaching ('Teaching' is more common in everyday speech; 'instruction' sounds slightly more formal or technical.)
Antonyms
neglect (Failure to provide needed teaching or guidance.)
Themes
education
|training
Definition
The act of showing or telling someone how to do something over a period of time.
The process of teaching someone a skill or subject.
NOUN
B2
TECHNICAL
3
utasítás
B2
The processor executes millions of instructions per second.
A processzor másodpercenként több millió utasítást hajt végre.
Each instruction tells the CPU to perform a specific task.
Minden utasítás megadja a CPU-nak, hogy milyen konkrét műveletet hajtson végre.
An error occurred while processing the instruction.
Learner examples
The computer follows each instruction.
A számítógép minden utasítást végrehajt.
One instruction tells the computer to add numbers.
Egy utasítás azt mondja meg a számítógépnek, hogy adjon össze számokat.
The program has many instructions.
Meaning
Command for a computer to execute
Collocations
machine instruction
|execute instruction
|instruction set
Synonyms
command ('Command' is broader and can refer to higher-level or user-given orders, not just low-level program steps.)
Antonyms
data (Information processed by a computer, rather than an action to perform.)
Themes
technology
|computing
Definition
A command that tells a computer to do one thing.
A single operation in a computer program that tells the computer what to do.
Grammar
Dictionary form
instruction
IPA
GB/ɪnstɹˈʌkʃən/
US/ɪnstɹˈʌkʃən/
Syllables & stress
in - struc - tion (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (struc)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: instruction
- Plural: instruction, instructions
Word family
Forms
instructions
noun
Core family
instruct
verb B2
instructor
noun A2
Related words
instructional
adjective C1
instructive
adjective B2
Negative and opposite forms
uninstructive
adjective
Expressions
follow instructions
1/fˈɑloʊ ɪnstɹˈʌkʃənz/
fixed phrase
Do what directions say
To do what you are told in the directions.
Examples
- Please follow the instructions carefully when assembling the furniture.
- She failed the experiment because she didn’t follow the instructions.
give instructions
1/ɡˈɪv ɪnstɹˈʌkʃənz/
fixed phrase
Tell someone how to do something
To tell someone what they should do and how to do it.
Examples
- The coach gave instructions before the game started.
- He gave me instructions on how to get to his house.
under instruction
1/ˈʌndɚ ɪnstɹˈʌkʃən/
fixed phrase
formal
Being guided or trained by someone
Being taught or directed by someone.
Examples
- The soldiers are under instruction from their commander.
- She is under instruction from her doctor to rest.