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Synonyms

educate

American  
[ej-oo-keyt] / ˈɛdʒ ʊˌkeɪt /

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 British  
/ 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

"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

Related Words

See teach.

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of educate

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