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educate

[ej-oo-keyt]
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verb (used with object), ed·u·cat·ed, ed·u·cat·ing.
  1. to develop the faculties and powers of (a person) by teaching, instruction, or schooling.
  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.
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verb (used without object), ed·u·cat·ed, ed·u·cat·ing.
  1. to educate a person or group: A television program that educates can also entertain.
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Origin of educate

1580–90; < Latin ēducātus brought up, taught (past participle of ēducāre), equivalent to ē- e-1 + -duc- lead + -ātus -ate1
Related formso·ver·ed·u·cate, verb (used with object), o·ver·ed·u·cat·ed, o·ver·ed·u·cat·ing.pre·ed·u·cate, verb (used with object), pre·ed·u·cat·ed, pre·ed·u·cat·ing.

Synonym study

1. See teach.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words

disciplinedeveloptutorinforminstructtraincultivateenlightenrearimprovefosterschoolcoachmatureedifyindoctrinatebriefexplaindrillbrainwash

Examples from the Web for educate

Contemporary Examples

Historical Examples

  • Basil Kendall was well educated, and had done what he could to educate his children.

  • Why, then, did the Great Teacher not educate His followers fully?

    Pax Vobiscum

    Henry Drummond

  • He believed that he was chosen by God to educate, guide and discipline the German people.

    Blood and Iron

    John Hubert Greusel

  • But then again, when I contemplate any of those who pretend to educate others, I am amazed.

  • But do you wish to live for the sake of your children, that you may rear and educate them?

British Dictionary definitions for educate

educate

verb (mainly tr)
  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
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Word Origin

C15: from Latin ēducāre to rear, educate, from dūcere to lead
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for educate

v.

mid-15c., "bring up (children), train," from Latin educatus, past participle of educare "bring up, rear, educate," which is related to educere "bring out, lead forth," from ex- "out" (see ex-) + ducere "to lead" (see duke (n.)). Meaning "provide schooling" is first attested 1580s. Related: Educated; educating.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper