exstruō

1. Præditus (præ-θετός) refers to a distinction which sheds lustre; instructus and exstructus to a qualification which attests usefulness; ornatus refers to both, for ornamentum is not, on the one side, that which is merely of use, like instrumentum, nor, on the other, that which is merely for show, like decus, but that which is of such eminent utility as to be prized even as an ornament. Instructus paints the qualification, etc., as a perfection which protects and secures; ornatus, as an accomplishment of an imposing nature. It is only in a higher point of view, and with reference to ideal claims, that ornatus is considered as a want; but, according to ordinary pretensions, it passes for a distinction of life. Cic. Phil. x. 4. Græcia copiis non instructa solum, sed etiam ornata. Sen. Tranq. 9. Sicut plerisque libri non studiorum instrumenta, sed cœnationum ornamenta sunt. 2. Instructus refers to persons and things, which act either offensively or defensively; exstructus to things which are for the most part only destined to be acted upon; for example, we say, instructæ naves but exstructæ mensæ. The exstructa are absolutely ready; the instructa are only relatively so, only fully prepared to be employed according to their destination. (iii. 260.) 3. Instructus refers to the possession of the means; paratus to the readiness of the possessor to employ them. (vi. 175.)