Instruction Meaning
Instruction Definition & Usage
A set of directions or orders meant to guide someone on how to complete a task or use something.
Examples
- "The instructions were clear, so I was able to assemble the furniture without any trouble."
- "Please follow the instructions carefully to avoid any mistakes."
- "The teacher provided detailed instructions for the group project."
- "He gave me the instructions for the new software, but I still couldn't figure it out."
- "Before starting the exercise, read the instructions on the board."
An authoritative order or directive given by an official or higher authority, especially in legal or professional contexts.
Examples
- "The judge issued instructions to the jury on how to deliberate."
- "The government has given clear instructions on how to handle the crisis."
- "You must comply with the instructions in this contract to avoid legal consequences."
- "The police officer gave the suspect instructions on how to proceed."
- "His instructions were followed exactly as per the company's policy."
A computer command or a sequence of commands that direct the operation of a program or system.
Examples
- "The software asks for specific instructions to configure the settings."
- "Instructions on how to install the app are included in the user manual."
- "You need to input the correct instructions to make the device work."
- "The program crashed because I didn't follow the proper instructions for installation."
- "Once I followed the instructions, the software worked flawlessly."
Cultural Context
The word 'instruction' originates from the Latin word 'instructio', which means 'arrangement' or 'formation'. It evolved through Old French into modern English, referring to the act of teaching or providing guidance. Over time, its usage expanded to include directions, orders, and commands in various contexts.
The Mission Briefing
Story
The Mission Briefing
It was a rainy Tuesday morning when Clara sat in the small conference room, anxiously awaiting her mission briefing. The walls were lined with maps and diagrams, all part of the critical operation she was about to undertake. Her supervisor, Lieutenant Marks, stepped forward, holding a stack of papers. 'Clara, these are the instructions you'll need for the mission. Follow them to the letter.' He handed her the sheets, each one filled with detailed steps on how to proceed. She nodded, flipping through the pages, but the instructions seemed vague—what did 'be cautious' really mean? Would she be able to follow them and complete the task without complications? Hours later, Clara was standing on a crowded subway platform in an unfamiliar city. She had memorized the instructions, but now she was faced with an unexpected turn of events. Her phone buzzed. It was a new directive from Marks, a follow-up instruction to adapt to the changing circumstances. Clara smiled at the irony. Sometimes, no matter how clear the instructions were, real life had a way of adding complexity. As she adjusted her approach, she realized that it wasn’t just about following orders—it was about understanding the bigger picture. That evening, back in the briefing room, Marks met her again. 'So, how did the instructions work out?' he asked, his tone soft but knowing. Clara grinned. 'Well, let's just say the instructions were just a starting point. I had to make a few adjustments along the way.'
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