edifying

American  

[ed-uh-fahy-ing] / ˈɛd əˌfaɪ ɪŋ /

adjective

1. instructive or beneficial, especially morally or spiritually; uplifting.

   We had our meals together, during which we listened to reading from an edifying children's book.

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Other Word Forms

• edifyingly
  adverb
• unedifying
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of edifying

edify + -ing ²

Explanation

Anything edifying is enlightening. Edifying things uplift people intellectually or morally and help them learn. Good literature, art, and music are edifying. The original meaning of edify was "to build," and things that are edifying build up a person, especially in an intellectual or moral way. It’s often used in the negative. If you say something is not edifying, you mean that it’s unpleasant and unacceptable. Edifying applies to things that help you become a better person. A wise saying is edifying. A powerful documentary is edifying. The words of a good teacher are often edifying. Word definitions are definitely edifying!

Example Sentences

Her calling apparently came when she encountered a goat on the set of her final film, "The Edifying and Joyous Story of Colinot".

From Barron's • Dec. 28, 2025

Edifying discourse and laudable exercises were indulged in by the guests, among whom were several persons of genius and learning.

From For Every Music Lover A Series of Practical Essays on Music by Moore, Aubertine Woodward

Edifying inferences have been drawn from the statement in Exodus that “the woman ... hid him.”

From The Expositor's Bible: The Book of Exodus by Chadwick, G. A.

"Edifying as the sight must be—" Marie began with smiling lips.

From Married Life The True Romance by Edginton, May

"Edifying, yet entertaining ... faithful portraiture, but ... not in the least like Zola ... undoubtedly readable."

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 147, July 15, 1914 by Various