edify in English
- edify⇄adv. edifyingly.
- edify⇄edify, transitive verb, -fied,-fying.
1. to improve morally; benefit spiritually; instruct and uplift.
Ex. People go to church to be edified by the sermon and the religious lessons. Let us therefore follow after the things ... wherewith one ma
edify in Gujarati ગુજરાતી
edify in Hindi हिन्दी
edify in Sindhi سنڌي
edify in Telugu తెలుగు
Edify
Part of Speech
Verb
Pronunciation
/ˈɛdɪˌfaɪ/ (US, UK)
Definitions
- To instruct or improve morally or intellectually.
- To uplift, enlighten, or educate in a way that builds character.
Usage Examples
- The teacher aimed to edify her students with meaningful lessons.
- Traveling to different countries can edify one's perspective on life.
- His words were intended to edify rather than criticize.
Etymology
From Middle English "edifien," derived from Old French "edifier," from Latin "aedificare" (to build, construct), later metaphorically meaning to build up knowledge or virtue.
Synonyms
- Instruct
- Educate
- Enlighten
- Uplift
- Teach
Antonyms
- Mislead
- Corrupt
- Confuse
- Degrade
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Edificar | /eði.fiˈkar/ |
| French | Édifier | /e.di.fje/ |
| German | Erbauen | /ɛɐ̯ˈbaʊ̯ən/ |
| Chinese | 启发 (qǐfā) | /tɕʰi˧˩ fa˥/ |
| Japanese | 啓発する (keihatsu suru) | /keː.ha.tsɯ su.ru/ |
| Hindi | शिक्षित करना (shikshit karna) | /ʃɪk.ʃɪt kər.nɑː/ |
| Tamil | அறிவூட்டம் (aṟivūṭṭam) | /a.ɾi.vuːʈʈam/ |
| Telugu | బోధించు (bodhinchu) | /boː.dʰin.tʃu/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
- US: /ˈɛdɪˌfaɪ/
- UK: /ˈɛdɪˌfaɪ/
- India: /ˈɛdɪˌfaɪ/ (with local accent influences)
Historical Usage
First used in English during the 14th century, "edify" originally referred to literal construction before shifting to a figurative meaning of moral and intellectual improvement.
Cultural Nuances
Different cultures have various ways of edifying individuals, such as religious teachings, philosophical discussions, or storytelling traditions.
More Information
The act of edification has been central to education, ethics, and religious discourse. Many historical figures, including Socrates, Confucius, and religious leaders, have played the role of edifiers.