edify

[ed-uh-fahy]

verb (used with object)

edified, edifying 

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

Other Word Forms

• edifier noun
• nonedified adjective
• reedify verb (used with object)
• unedified adjective
• edifyingly adverb
• edifying 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

Brooks insists on seeing all this as an edifying story of a nation’s rise, albeit with a few bumps in the road.

From Salon

But it’s an edifying experience, hurtling forward with only the mighty light of intrepid wonder to guide us.

From Salon

It’s also a central pillar of the pair’s edifying new sitcom.

From Los Angeles Times

I was doing that job, less than part time, for only a brief period, while for the adults working in the dining hall, it was a more permanent and far less edifying condition.

From New York Times

It’s always such an incredible, edifying experience to be around somebody who is a master at their craft.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• enlighten 
• uplift