To improve someone's knowledge, judgment, or character through instruction.
Reach for it when describing teaching intended to leave the audience wiser or morally strengthened
The curator designed the exhibition to edify without lecturing visitors.
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal |
|
| literary |
playful
show the light
Fits when informal language can describe a clarifying realization
Careful The phrase has religious overtones and can sound self-righteous.
everyday
Fits when beneficial change should be expressed plainly
Careful Improve needs an object or standard and does not identify instruction.
warm
Fits when the result is moral encouragement or increased hope
Careful Uplift can change mood without teaching anything.
professional
Fits when systematic knowledge or skill is being developed
Careful Educate is broader and may carry no moral or reflective purpose.
professional
instruct
Fits when direct teaching of a subject or procedure matters
Careful Instruction may deliver facts without improving judgment or character.
literary
Fits when clearing away ignorance or misunderstanding is central
Careful Enlighten can sound patronizing if the speaker assumes superior insight.
edify the reader
The notes edify the reader while leaving room for interpretation.
seek to edify
The workshop seeks to edify rather than shame first-time volunteers.
entertain and edify
The radio series manages to entertain and edify in equal measure.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vealhurl, Southern England accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated
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