edifying

[ ed-uh-fahy-ing ]

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.

Other Words From

• ed·i·fy·ing·ly adverb
• un·ed·i·fy·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of edifying¹

edify + -ing ²

Example Sentences

There were observations he would make that would be edifying to me.

From The Daily Beast

The always-edifying Ann Coulter tweeted that Marines were “protecting his right to menstruate.”

From The Daily Beast

Such intemperate exchanges will hardly count as edifying but they may, alas, be unavoidable.

From The Daily Beast

And pundits can always be relied upon for edifying breed comparisons.

From The Daily Beast

When do we ever see elected officials engage in that sort of careful, thoughtful dialogue in an edifying way?

From The Daily Beast

It is quite edifying to hear Mr. Slocum reading the village paper aloud, to his wife, after a hard day's work.

From Project Gutenberg

This edifying ceremony could easily be seen from the square, as the windows are very near the ground, and were also open.

From Project Gutenberg

The way in which they worked together was not edifying, nor calculated to impress the natives with a sense of dignity and power.

From Project Gutenberg

I am vastly complaisant, amuse myself in Routes and private parties and play shilling Whist with the most edifying resignation.

From Project Gutenberg

Publish then, this good, this edifying and instructive little Piece for their sakes.

From Project Gutenberg