edify

[ ed-uh-fahy ]

verb (used with object)

, ed·i·fied, ed·i·fy·ing.

1. to instruct or benefit, especially morally or spiritually; uplift:

   religious paintings that edify the viewer.

edify

/ ˈɛdɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. tr to improve the morality, intellect, etc, of, esp by instruction

Derived Forms

• ˈediˌfying, adjective
• ˈediˌfier, noun
• ˈediˌfyingly, adverb

Other Words From

• ed·i·fi·er noun
• non·ed·i·fied adjective
• re·ed·i·fy verb (used with object) reedified reedifying
• un·ed·i·fied adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of edify¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English edifien, from Anglo-French, Old French edifier, from Latin aedificāre “to build,” equivalent to aedi- (stem of aedes ) “house, temple” + -ficāre -fy

Word History and Origins

Origin of edify¹

C14: from Old French edifier, from Latin aedificāre to construct, from aedēs a dwelling, temple + facere to make

Example Sentences

For the plurality of churches, without ministers and order, shall rather hurt than edify.

From Project Gutenberg

Historic fidelity is to him a matter of indifference; he is only anxious to edify the reader.

From Project Gutenberg

He will do his best to edify and amuse them: they may remember Cintino some day!

From Project Gutenberg

I must own that the spectacle which I witnessed on the day of my presentation did not edify me.

From Project Gutenberg

Compassion may display itself in readiness both to relieve the physical needs of another, and to edify his character.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• enlighten
• uplift