edify
|ed-i-fy|
C1
🇺🇸
/ˈɛdəˌfaɪ/
🇬🇧
/ˈɛdɪfaɪ/
build up (morally/intellectually)
Etymology
Etymology Information
'edify' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'aedificare,' where 'aedis' (or 'aed-') meant 'building, temple' and 'facere' meant 'to make.'
Historical Evolution
'edify' changed from Latin 'aedificare' into Old French 'edifier' and Middle English 'edifien/edifyen,' eventually becoming the modern English word 'edify'.
Meaning Changes
Initially it meant 'to build (a physical structure),' but over time it evolved into the current primary sense 'to instruct or build up morally or intellectually.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to instruct, improve, or uplift someone morally or intellectually; to enlighten.
The lecture was meant to edify the students.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/02 07:25