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

The Duval County Medical Society said it’s ready to work with “lawmakers, educators, and community leaders to preserve vaccination protections, to educate families, and to strengthen public trust.”

From Salon

They advocate educating young scientists in how to communicate to the public about how they work, presenting an “easily recognizable public face so we are not seen as white-coated oddballs lurking in dark corners.”

From Los Angeles Times

Joblessness and rising inequality drive migration, especially among the poor, rural and less educated, whose labour force participation is already low.

From BBC

She added: “Not well educated, but very sharp, with a sense of humor and a resolve not to let life get her down.”

From Los Angeles Times

"It's about educating people so we overcome that taboo that's linked with physical activity."

From BBC

Related Words

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