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edify

Verb

IPA /ˈedɪfaɪ/

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Meaning in plain English

To improve someone's understanding or character by teaching them something worthwhile.

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Pronunciation

edify/ˈedɪfaɪ/

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Someone encounters a thoughtful lesson
It develops their understanding
Their knowledge or character improves

To edify is to teach in a way that develops understanding or character.

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The speaker hoped her story would edify listeners as well as entertain them.
The workshop aimed to edify trainees about the responsibilities of leadership.

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The speaker hoped her story would ________ listeners as well as entertain them.

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edify — To improve someone's understanding or character by teaching them something worthwhile.

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To improve someone's understanding or character by teaching them something worthwhile.

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Word origin

From Latin aedificare, meaning to build, through Old French edifier.

Did you know?

The historical idea of building developed into a figurative idea of strengthening someone morally or intellectually.

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