What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Instruct vs Steer - What's the difference?

instruct | steer |

As verbs the difference between instruct and steer

is that instruct is (label) to teach by giving instructions while steer is to castrate (a male calf) or steer can be to guide the course of a vessel, vehicle, aircraft etc (by means of a device such as a rudder, paddle, or steering wheel).

As nouns the difference between instruct and steer

is that instruct is (label) instruction while steer is the castrated male of cattle, especially one raised for beef production or steer can be (informal) a suggestion about a course of action or steer can be (obsolete) a helmsman; a pilot.

As an adjective instruct

is (label) arranged; furnished; provided.

instruct

English

Verb

(en verb)
  • (label) to teach by giving instructions
  • (label) to direct; to order (usage note : "instruct" is less forceful than "order", but weightier than "advise")
  • Synonyms

    * guide

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (label) instruction
  • Adjective

    (-)
  • (label) arranged; furnished; provided
  • * Chapman
  • (label) instructed; taught; enlightened
  • (Milton)

    steer

    English

    Etymology 1

    (etyl) .

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • The castrated male of cattle, especially one raised for beef production.
  • * 1913 , (Willa Cather),
  • He counted the cattle over and over. It diverted him to speculate as to how much weight each of the steers would probably put on by spring.
    Synonyms
    * ox
    Hypernyms
    * cattle
    Coordinate terms
    * bull, calf, cow

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To castrate (a male calf).
  • Etymology 2

    From (etyl) stieran.

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (informal) A suggestion about a course of action.
  • I tried to give you the steer , but I guess I didn't get it over. Everybody knew it but you.'' (Mark Hellinger, 1939, ''The Roaring Twenties )

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To guide the course of a vessel, vehicle, aircraft etc. (by means of a device such as a rudder, paddle, or steering wheel).
  • When planning the boat trip we had completely forgotten that we needed somebody to steer .
  • * Tennyson
  • No helmsman steers .
  • To guide the course of a vessel, vehicle, aircraft etc. (by means of a device such as a rudder, paddle, or steering wheel).
  • I find it very difficult to steer a skateboard.
    I steered my steps homeward.
  • To be directed and governed; to take a direction, or course; to obey the helm.
  • The boat steers easily.
  • * Milton
  • Where the wind / Veers oft, as oft [a ship] so steers , and shifts her sail.
  • To direct a group of animals.
  • To maneuver or manipulate a person or group into a place or course of action.
  • Hume believes that principles of association steer the imagination of artists.
  • To direct a conversation.
  • To conduct oneself; to take or pursue a course of action.
  • See also
    * steering wheel * torque steer

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (obsolete) A helmsman; a pilot.
  • (Chaucer)