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verb B1 Intermediate Common

educate

EHJ-uu-kayt

Educate (verb) means to teach or train someone, giving them knowledge or skills. Example: “The charity aims to educate farmers about sustainable irrigation.”

verb
1
To teach or train someone, giving them knowledge or skills.
"The charity aims to educate farmers about sustainable irrigation."
"Parents should educate children about online safety from an early age."

How to use educate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo teach someone, giving them knowledge or training.

Common pairings
educate the public educate children educate yourself

Word forms

more educate comparative, educated past tense, educates singular, most educate superlative

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Test yourself on “educate” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The charity aims to _____ farmers about sustainable irrigation.

Etymology

From Latin educare ("to bring up, train, rear"), related to educere ("to lead out").

Origin: Latin

Related words

Rhymes for educate

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Frequently asked questions

What does “educate” mean?

The word “educate” means to teach or train someone, giving them knowledge or skills. In plain terms, to teach someone, giving them knowledge or training.

How do you pronounce “educate”?

“Educate” is pronounced EHJ-uu-kayt (/ˈɛd͡ʒ.əˌkeɪt/ in IPA).

How do you use “educate” in a sentence?

Here is “educate” used in a sentence: “The charity aims to educate farmers about sustainable irrigation.”

What part of speech is “educate”?

“Educate” is a verb.

Where does the word “educate” come from?

The word “educate” comes from Latin. From Latin educare ("to bring up, train, rear"), related to educere ("to lead out").

Is “educate” a common word?

“Educate” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

What is the difference between 'educate' and 'teach'?

To teach is to pass on specific knowledge or skills, often a particular subject or lesson. To educate is broader, covering the whole process of developing a person's knowledge, understanding, and abilities over time.

What is the difference between 'educate' and 'train'?

Training focuses on specific, practical skills needed for a task or job. Educating is wider, aiming to build general knowledge and understanding rather than one particular skill.

What preposition is used with 'educate'?

You educate someone 'about,' 'in,' or 'on' a subject, as in 'educate people about health' or 'educated in law.' The person being taught is the direct object, as in 'educate students.'

What is the difference between 'educate' and 'inform'?

To inform is simply to give someone facts or news. To educate goes further, helping someone understand and use knowledge or skills, not just receive information.

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