Wordnet 3.0
ADJECTIVE (2)
1.
constructing or tending to construct or improve or promote development;
- Example: "constructive criticism"- Example: "a constructive attitude"- Example: "a constructive philosophy"- Example: "constructive permission"2.
emphasizing what is laudable or hopeful or to the good;
- Example: "constructive criticism"
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Constructive \Con*struct"ive\, a. [Cf. F. constructif.]
1. Having ability to construct or form; employed in
construction; as, to exhibit constructive power.
[1913 Webster]
The constructive fingers of Watts. --Emerson.
[1913 Webster]
2. Derived from, or depending on, construction, inference, or
interpretation; not directly expressed, but inferred.
[1913 Webster]
3. helpful; promoting improvement; intended to help; as,
constructive criticism; constructive suggestions.
Contrasted with destructive.
[PJC]
Constructive crimes (Law), acts having effects analogous to
those of some statutory or common law crimes; as,
constructive treason. Constructive crimes are no longer
recognized by the courts.
Constructive notice, notice imputed by construction of law.
Constructive trust, a trust which may be assumed to exist,
though no actual mention of it be made.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
constructive
adj 1: constructing or tending to construct or improve or
promote development; "constructive criticism"; "a
constructive attitude"; "a constructive philosophy";
"constructive permission" [ant: destructive]
2: emphasizing what is laudable or hopeful or to the good;
"constructive criticism"