edify

[ed-uh-fahy] /ˈɛd ə faɪ/

verb (used with object), edified, edifying.

to instruct or benefit, especially morally or spiritually; uplift:

religious paintings that edify the viewer.

Origin

1300-50; Middle English edifien < Anglo-French, Old French edifier < Latin aedificāre to build, equivalent to aedi- (stem of aedes) house, temple + -ficāre -fy

Related forms

edifier, noun

edifyingly, adverb

nonedified, adjective

reedify, verb (used with object), reedified, reedifying.

unedified, adjective

unedifying, adjective

Examples from the web for edify

Such ought to be the zeal of every one to instruct and edify his neighbour by word and example.
Despite its flaws, this volume nonetheless will edify and absorb the reader.
They never fail to both edify and amuse.
But her goal here was not to edify the spirit, but to win the vote.
Please regale and edify us with the bounties of our goodness in government.
They seem less likely to win converts than to inform and edify constituents.
Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
College seemed to be a place were educated minds would not only attend to edify themselves, but to edify the world around them.
For those looking for more intellectual pursuits, there are no lack of opportunities to expand and edify their minds.
Each small chapter is compact and self-contained, with quotations and cartoons that amuse and edify along the way.

British Dictionary definitions for edify

edify

/ˈɛdɪˌfaɪ/

verb -fies, -fying, -fied

(transitive) to improve the morality, intellect, etc, of, esp by instruction

Derived Forms

edifier, noun
edifying, adjective
edifyingly, adverb

Word Origin

C14: from Old French edifier, from Latin aedificāre to construct, from aedēs a dwelling, temple + facere to make

Contemporary definitions for edify

verb

to build, construct; to establish

Word Origin

Latin aedes 'building' + -ficare 'to make'

Usage Note

transitive

verb

to build up, establish, or strengthen a person, institution, etc.; to uplift

Word Origin

Latin aedes 'building' + -ficare 'to make'

Usage Note

transitive

verb

to inform or enlighten intellectually or spiritually

Word Origin

Latin aedes 'building' + -ficare 'to make'

Usage Note

transitive

Word Origin and History for edify

mid-14c., "to build, construct," also, in figurative use, "to build up morally or in faith," from Old French edefiier "build, install, teach, instruct (morally)," from Latin aedificare "to build, construct," in Late Latin "improve spiritually, instruct" (see edifice). Related: Edified; edifying.