adj.
Pronunciation: ' fo ̇ r-m ə -tiv
Function: adjective
Date: 15th century
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>
– for · ma · tive · ly adverb