noun

edification

ed-ih-fih-KAY-shun/ˌedɪfɪˈkeɪʃn/

Instruction that improves understanding or moral character.

The educator’s demonstration provides edification about day and night.

Edification through a clear, hands-on explanation of why Earth has day and night: an educator uses a lamp and globe while a learner follows the demonstration.

Etymology

ediLatintemple, sanctuary

+ficLatinto make, do

+ationLatinprocess or result

The temple and making roots combine in the idea of constructing a building. Religious usage turned construction into “building up” the soul, and this image extended to improvement of the mind.

In context

Share2Show2:33

only such a word as is good for edification building up according to the need of the moment

Edify One Another

More examples

She shared the story for our edification, not our amusement.
The lecture offered genuine edification.
He read the essays for personal edification.

Forms

edification

edify verb — improve someone’s understanding or character

Similar words

instruction: Instruction is teaching generally; edification suggests improvement in understanding or character.
enlightenment: Enlightenment means gaining understanding; edification emphasizes beneficial instruction or moral development.