noun
a word or affix that serves to indicate or express a grammatical feature
adjective
relating to or involved in the forming of something; shaping
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The formative years of a child's development are crucial for their future success.
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My formative years were spent living in a small town with my family.
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Dude, those formative times in college were wild!
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Just like a potter molds clay, our experiences shape us during our formative years.