formative
In general conversation, 'formative' most often refers to the early stages of a person's life (like childhood) that shape who they become as an adult. In educational settings, it has a specific technical meaning. A 'formative assessment' is one used for practice and improvement during a lesson, whereas a 'summative assessment' happens at the very end to give a final grade.
💬Casual Conversation
🎬Tuesday afternoon, Chloe is in the library and Leo is gaming in his room.
Chloe Smith
Stop acting out. High school is your formative period, don't blow it.
Leo Smith
Lmao you're literally drowning in debt, don't come for me.
💡
Chloe uses 'formative' to refer to the developmental importance of Leo's teenage years. Leo responds with a casual 'come for me' (slang meaning to attack or criticize someone) and mentions her student loans to deflect the lecture.