educate

[ej-oo-keyt]

verb (used with object)

educated, educating 

1. to develop the faculties and powers of (a person) by teaching, instruction, or schooling.

   Synonyms: indoctrinate, drill, school, instruct

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.

verb (used without object)

educated, educating 

1. to educate a person or group.

   A television program that educates can also entertain.

educate

/ ˈɛdjʊˌkeɪt /

verb

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

Other Word Forms

• overeducate verb (used with object)
• preeducate verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of educate¹

First recorded in 1400–50; Middle English educate, educatyn, from Latin ēducātus “brought up, nurtured, taught” (past participle of ēducāre ), equivalent to ē- + -duc-, variant of dūc- “to lead” + -ātus e- ¹, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of educate¹

C15: from Latin ēducāre to rear, educate, from dūcere to lead

Synonym Study

See teach.

Example Sentences

"My dad graduated uni in Africa and graduated over here too, so he's an educated man. He could only want the same for his kids."

Read more on BBC

"We are the true digital natives and we want to remain educated, robust, and savvy in our digital world... They should protect kids with safeguards, not silence."

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“Thanks in large measure to immigration, the United States is on track to account for a growing share of the rich world’s labor force, youth and highly educated talent,” Mr. Eberstadt explained.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The Home Office said the day would focus on "remembering and recognising those impacted by terrorism, encouraging victims and survivors to access specialist support, educating the public, and amplifying victims' and survivors' stories".

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In June, the independent preparatory school, which has educated children for almost 130 years, announced it would sell the tables, which generations of children had eaten at, ahead of its closure on 31 December.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• cultivate 
• develop 
• discipline 
• enlighten 
• improve 
• inform 
• instruct 
• rear 
• train 
• tutor