Definition of formative
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a
: giving or capable of giving form : constructive
a formative influence
b
: used in word formation or inflection
2
: capable of alteration by growth and development
also
: producing new cells and tissues
3
: of, relating to, or characterized by formative effects or formation
formative years
formative
nounDefinition of formative (Entry 2 of 2)
: the element (such as a suffix) in a word that serves to give the word appropriate form and is not part of the base
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for formative
The first known use of formative was in the 15th century
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