formative

1 of 2

adjective

for·​ma·​tive ˈfȯr-mə-tiv 

1

a

: 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

formatively adverb

formative

2 of 2

noun

: the element (such as a suffix) in a word that serves to give the word appropriate form and is not part of the base

Did you know?

Whatever gives shape to something else may be called formative: for example, the Grand Canyon is a product of the formative power of water, and the automobile was a huge formative influence on the design of America's cities. But it usually applies to some kind of shaping that isn't physical. An ambitious plan, for example, goes through a formative stage of development. The formative years of the U.S. included experimentation with various forms of government. And the most important formative experiences in our own lives tend to take place in the first 20 years or so.

Synonyms

Adjective

• constructive
• productive

Examples of formative in a Sentence

Adjective

This experience had a formative influence on his art.

a teacher who was a formative influence on generations of students

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

To finish second in such agonizing fashion was bittersweet but also formative. —George Ramsay, CNN, 9 Apr. 2024

Her new book, Rebel Girl: My Life as a Feminist Punk, due out May 14 from Ecco, takes readers through her tumultuous childhood, her formative college years and on the road for her first shows. —Lizz Schumer, Peoplemag, 9 Apr. 2024

Take a look at some of the films that defined pop culture during the Millennial formative years two decades ago. —Rivea Ruff, Essence, 5 Apr. 2024

His archive sat untouched and unseen in his San Francisco apartment for nearly half a century, and represents some of the only sound-and-motion footage from the formative years of the convention. —Rob Salkowitz, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024

The results of the 40-year analysis track with previous findings about the future earning potential of people who have typically shunned traditional curricular activities in their formative years. —Ryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 28 Mar. 2024

The untitled coming-of-age project is said to be inspired by Williams’ formative years growing up in Virginia Beach in the 1970s. —Ryan Gajewski, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Mar. 2024

Her future fraught with whispers of her father’s political connection to Argentina’s brutal dictatorship, she’s tasked with circumventing harsh truths to remain faithful to her destiny in the narrative that follows her through her formative years. —Holly Jones, Variety, 19 Mar. 2024

When looking for useful gifts for this formative stage of life, think of items that are learning resources for mental, emotional, and physical skills. —Anna Vognsen, Glamour, 21 Mar. 2024

Noun

Any Hollywood star who has done a big movie — or at least one formative to their career — probably has taken a special prop or two from set. —Andrea Towers, EW.com, 12 Apr. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1816, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

formative

adjective

for·​ma·​tive

ˈfȯr-mət-iv

1

: giving or able to give form

a formative influence

2

: of, relating to, or characterized by important growth or formation

formative years

formatively adverb

formativeness noun

Medical Definition

formative

adjective

for·​ma·​tive ˈfȯr-mət-iv 

: capable of alteration by growth and development

also : producing new cells and tissues