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educate

 - 3 dictionary results

ed⋅u⋅cate

[ej-oo-keyt] verb, -cat⋅ed, -cat⋅ing.
–verb (used with object)
1. to develop the faculties and powers of (a person) by teaching, instruction, or schooling.
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)
6. to educate a person or group: A television program that educates can also entertain.

Origin:
1580–90; < L ēducātus brought up, taught (ptp. of ēducāre), equiv. to ē- e- + -duc- lead + -ātus -ate 1


1. instruct, school, drill, indoctrinate. See teach.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To educate
ed·u·cate   (ěj'ə-kāt')   
v.   ed·u·cat·ed, ed·u·cat·ing, ed·u·cates

v.   tr.
  1. To develop the innate capacities of, especially by schooling or instruction. See Synonyms at teach.

  2. To provide with knowledge or training in a particular area or for a particular purpose: decided to educate herself in foreign languages; entered a seminary to be educated for the priesthood.

    1. To provide with information; inform: a campaign that educated the public about the dangers of smoking.

    2. To bring to an understanding or acceptance: hoped to educate the voters to the need for increased spending on public schools.

  3. To stimulate or develop the mental or moral growth of.

  4. To develop or refine (one's taste or appreciation, for example).

v.   intr.
To teach or instruct a person or group.

[Middle English educaten, from Latin ēducāre, ēducātus; see deuk- in Indo-European roots.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

educate 
1447, from L. educatus, pp. of educare "bring up, rear, educate," which is related to educere "bring out," from ex- "out" + ducere "to lead" (see duke). Meaning "provide schooling" is first attested 1588 in Shakespeare. Educationese "the jargon of school administrators" is from 1966; educrat first attested 1968, usually pejorative, second element from bureaucrat (q.v.). Educable is from 1845. Educated guess first attested 1954.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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