formative

/ˈfɔːrmətɪv/
adjective
  1. Having an important influence on the development of something or someone.
    • Travel was a formative experience that shaped her worldview.
    • The early years of childhood are a formative period for learning language.
    • His time in the army was a formative part of his character.
  2. Relating to the process of forming or developing.
    • The artist's formative sketches show how the final painting evolved.
    • In the formative stages of the project, we brainstormed many ideas.
    • The teacher used formative assessments to track student progress.
Antonyms
What does "formative" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean