formative has definitions from the fields of grammar,linguistics,biology
1
[ noun ] (grammar,linguistics) minimal language unit that has a syntactic (or morphological) function

Used in print

(Ralph B. Long. The Sentence and Its Parts: A...)

Historically re is the formative that is employed also in republic , and al is the common suffix .

Related terms

language_unit

2
[ adjective ] beginning to develop

Synonyms

inchoative

Examples

"inchoative stages"

Related terms

immature

3
[ adjective ] (biology) capable of forming new cells and tissues

Examples

"a formative zone in developing bone"

Related terms

biology constructive

4
[ adjective ] susceptible to alteration by development and experience

Examples

"formative years"

Related terms

young

5
[ adjective ] relating to or characterized by formative effects or formation

Examples

"the formative arts"

Related terms

formation

6
[ adjective ] forming or capable of forming or molding

Synonyms

shaping

Examples

"a formative influence" "a formative experience"

Related terms

constructive

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