instruction

/ɪnˈstrʌkʃən/ noun

Definition

instructions › [plural] written advice and information about how to do or use something: Please read the instructions carefully. Follow the instructions given below to activate your card.clear/detailed/step-by-step instructions The furniture comes with detailed instructions about how to assemble it.assembly/installation instructions The first step is following the installation instructions as well as the on-screen requests from the program.

› [C, usually plural] something that someone tells you to do: It was a confusing instruction, and I wasn't sure what he wanted me to do. give sb instructions on sth My boss gave me instructions on what to say to the press.give sb instructions to do sth She gave me instructions not to contact the customer directly. to issue/receive instructions clear/firm/strict instructions act on/carry out/follow (sb's) instructions The shares allow him to force the board to carry out his instructions.disregard/ignore (sb's) instructions I ignored the instructions I had been given and went ahead with the deal anyway.

› [C] IT a piece of information that tells a computer how to do something: Simple computer processors execute instructions one after the other.

› [U] the act of teaching something: instruction in/on sth You will receive instruction on how to operate the system.

an instruction manual/book › a book that gives advice and information about how to do or use something: Be sure to read your instruction manual and follow the recommendations for safe operation.

be under instructions › if someone is under instructions to do something, they have been told to do it: She was under instructions to report back to head office every day.

on the instruction(s) of sb › if you do something on the instruction(s) of someone, you do it because they have told you to: On the instructions of her solicitor, she refused to give a statement.

under instruction › being taught something: The trainee learns by carrying out real work tasks under instruction from a more experienced colleague.

(Definition of instruction noun from the Cambridge Business English Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

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