educate

[ ej-oo-keyt ]

verb (used with object)

, ed·u·cat·ed, ed·u·cat·ing.

1. to develop the faculties and powers of (a person) by teaching, instruction, or schooling.

   Synonyms: indoctrinate, drill, school, instruct

2. to qualify by instruction or training for a particular calling, practice, etc.; train:

   to educate someone for law.

3. to provide schooling or training for; send to school.
4. to develop or train (the ear, taste, etc.):

   to educate one's palate to appreciate fine food.

5. to inform:

   to educate oneself about the best course of action.

verb (used without object)

, ed·u·cat·ed, ed·u·cat·ing.

1. to educate a person or group:

   A television program that educates can also entertain.

educate

/ ˈɛdjʊˌkeɪt /

verb

1. also intr to impart knowledge by formal instruction to (a pupil); teach
2. to provide schooling for (children)

   I have educated my children at the best schools

3. to improve or develop (a person, judgment, taste, skills, etc)
4. to train for some particular purpose or occupation

Other Words From

• over·edu·cate verb (used with object) overeducated overeducating
• pre·edu·cate verb (used with object) preeducated preeducating

Word History and Origins

Origin of educate¹

First recorded in 1400–50; Middle English educate, educatyn, from Latin ēducātus “brought up, nurtured, taught” (past participle of ēducāre ), equivalent to ē- + -duc-, variant of dūc- “to lead” + -ātus e- ¹, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of educate¹

C15: from Latin ēducāre to rear, educate, from dūcere to lead

Synonym Study

See teach.

Example Sentences

Dr McCrea believes more could be done to educate the public about how to be safer on the road, including encouraging more young people to undertake advance driving courses at an early stage.

From BBC

It also involves educating individuals about self-management techniques and empowering them to take an active role in their recovery.

From Salon

"We have to make a decision as a society as to whether we want to educate these young people in the same way as they do in mainstream and more privileged schools."

From BBC

He is an intellectual educated at Oxford University, is never seen without his signature slim, rectangular glasses and has been dubbed "Mr Digital" thanks to his pledge to whip Ghana into a technological heavyweight.

From BBC

As a follow-up to the study, researchers are collaborating with county and state agencies to include these chemicals on water treatment monitoring lists and want to continue to educate watershed districts about these insecticides.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• cultivate
• develop
• discipline
• enlighten
• improve
• inform
• instruct
• rear
• train
• tutor