educate

[ej-oo-keyt]

verb (used with object)

educated, educating 

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)

educated, educating 

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 Word Forms

• overeducate verb (used with object)
• preeducate verb (used with object)

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

“We are heartbroken and still processing this loss. Dan truly believed in sharing his experiences and educating people on the paranormal,” the society said on Facebook.

From Los Angeles Times

Mora has been educated in bilingual schools and has private one-to-one tuition in English.

From BBC

The mother of one 15-year-old girl said her daughter had become a "lot happier" since she started being home educated after she started suffering from panic attacks.

From BBC

Often, body-donation is driven by simple altruism, she says: "A lot of people are either educated or interested in education."

From BBC

Fire services have warned that regardless of efforts to work with landowners and educate the public, a long and hot summer has meant an increase in callouts.

From BBC

Related Words

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