The phrase "formative period" refers to a crucial time when a person or thing is in the process of developing or shaping its identity, characteristics, or skills that will define its future. Full definition
An understanding of formative periods of intense learning during childhood suggests strategies for correcting neurological and psychiatric disorders later in life (scientificamerican.com)
This exhibition by American artist Francesca Woodman includes five large - format photographs presented for the first time along with a selection of some 30 photographs from the key formative periods in Francesca Woodman's career - Boulder, Colorado; Providence, Rhode Island; Rome... (victoria-miro.com)
These are formative periods when some new civilization or social order is shaping itself, usually out of the confused turmoil brought about by great folk - migrations. (religion-online.org)