to improve the morality, intellect, etc, of, esp by instruction
Derived forms
edifier (ˈediˌfier)
noun
edifying (ˈediˌfying)
adjective
edifyingly (ˈediˌfyingly)
adverb
Word origin
C14: from Old French edifier, from Latin aedificāre to construct, from aedēs a dwelling, temple + facere to make
edify in American English
(ˈɛdɪˌfaɪ)
verb transitiveWord forms: ˈediˌfied or ˈediˌfying
1.
to instruct in such a way as to improve, enlighten, or uplift morally, spiritually, or intellectually
2. Archaic
to build; establish
Derived forms
edifier (ˈediˌfier)
noun
Word origin
ME edifien < OFr edifier < L aedificare, to build, construct (in LL(Ec) to edify) < aedes, a dwelling, house, temple, orig., hearth, fireplace < IE base *ai-dh-, to burn (> Gr aithein, to burn, OE ad, pyre) + -ficare < facere, to make, do1
Examples of 'edify' in a sentence
edify
My time in its replacement was rather less edifying.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
He awoke to news that was rather less edifying.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It was not a terribly edifying spectacle.
John Harris THE LAST PARTY: Britpop, Blair and the demise of English rock (2003)
It was hardly the most edifying of spectacles.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
It may not be an edifying spectacle.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
It was not an edifying sight.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
It is not an edifying experience.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
That is why it is edifying to see Northampton back where they belong.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
But when film opportunities came his way, the results were less edifying.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
None of this was particularly edifying, but at least it singled out the middle years as the trickiest.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
The second period, thankfully, was a more edifying spectacle.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Not the most edifying sight of the TV week, admittedly.
The Sun (2008)
Synonyms of 'edify'
instruct, school, teach, inform
More Synonyms of edify
(verb)
Definition
to inform or instruct (someone) with a view to improving his or her morals or understanding
the ability of comedy to edify as well as to entertain an audience
Synonyms
instruct
He instructs family members in nursing techniques.
school
He is schooled to spot trouble.
teach
a programme to teach educational skills
She taught me to read.
inform
They would inform him of any progress they had made.
guide
He should have let his instinct guide him.
improve
educate
She was educated at a local school.
nurture
elevate
enlighten
Their aim is to enlighten the public about the situation.
uplift
Art was created to uplift the mind and the spirit.
Additional synonyms
in the sense of educate
Definition
to teach (someone) over a long period of time so that he or she acquires knowledge and understanding of a range of subjects
She was educated at a local school.
Synonyms
teach,
school,
train,
coach,
develop,
improve,
exercise,
inform,
discipline,
rear,
foster,
mature,
drill,
tutor,
instruct,
cultivate,
enlighten,
civilize,
edify,
indoctrinate
in the sense of enlighten
Definition
to give information or understanding to
Their aim is to enlighten the public about the situation.
Synonyms
inform,
tell,
teach,
advise,
counsel,
educate,
instruct,
illuminate,
make aware,
edify,
apprise,
let know,
cause to understand
in the sense of guide
Definition
to influence (a person) in his or her actions or opinions