formative

//ˈfɔːrmətɪv//
C1Frequency Level 11Formal
Visual representation of formative

Adjective

formativeCanonical form
1

Having a significant and lasting influence on the development of someone's character, abilities, or beliefs, especially during childhood or youth.

My formative years in the countryside shaped my love for nature.

2

Serving to form or shape something; giving form or structure.

Water plays a formative role in shaping the landscape over time.

Noun

formativeSingular
formativesPlural
1

A linguistic element, such as an affix, that is used to form new words or inflections.

The prefix 'un-' is a common formative in English.