— constructively , adv. — constructiveness , n.
/keuhn struk"tiv/ , adj.
1. constructing or tending to construct; helping to improve; promoting further development or advancement (opposed to destructive ): constructive criticism.
2. of, pertaining to, or of the nature of construction; structural.
3. deduced by inference or interpretation; inferential: constructive permission.
4. Law. denoting an act or condition not directly expressed but inferred from other acts or conditions.
[ 1670-80; constructivus, equiv. to L construct ( us ) (see CONSTRUCT) + ivus -IVE ]
Syn. 1. productive, helpful, handy, useful.