edify

/ˈɛdɪfaɪ/

Group 9Difficulty 1/3

Definition

(verb)
To instruct or benefit, especially morally or spiritually
GRE

Example in Context

The lecture series was designed to edify the public on matters of civic importance that received inadequate attention in mainstream media.

Synonyms

teachenlighteneducate

Etymology

From Latin, meaning to build up morally or intellectually.

  • aedificare (Latin) — to build

Memory Aid

📚Sounds like “edify

Reading a book about unicorns EDIFIES my mind, raising it to a magical level!

Visual Association

🏗️A towering library being built, each book adding to its height of knowledge.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “edify” mean on the GRE?

edify (verb) means “To instruct or benefit, especially morally or spiritually”. The lecture series was designed to edify the public on matters of civic importance that received inadequate attention in mainstream media.

How to remember “edify” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “edify” sounds like “edify”. Reading a book about unicorns EDIFIES my mind, raising it to a magical level!

What are synonyms for “edify”?

Common synonyms: teach, enlighten, educate.