teach

The word “teach” means to help someone learn a skill or subject by explaining or demonstrating it. In plain terms, to pass knowledge or a skill on to someone else, or to make them learn a lesson from experience.

“Teach” is pronounced TEECH (/ˈtiːt͡ʃ/ in IPA).

Here is “teach” used in a sentence: “She has taught mathematics at the same school for twenty years.”

“Teach” is a verb.

The word “teach” comes from Old English. From Old English tæcan, "to show or point out," related to an ancient root meaning "to show" — the same root gives us the word "token.".

“Teach” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.

“Teach” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to help someone learn a skill or subject by explaining or demonstrating it.

Teaching and learning are two sides of the same process. To teach is to give knowledge or skills to someone else, while to learn is to receive and absorb them. A teacher teaches a lesson, and a student learns it. Using "learn" to mean "teach," as in "I'll learn you," is considered nonstandard English.

Both help someone gain ability, but the focus differs. Teaching usually imparts knowledge and understanding across subjects such as history or maths. Training tends to build a specific practical skill through repetition and practice, like training staff or an athlete. In short, teaching informs the mind, while training drills a particular ability.

Yes. While some people have a natural gift for explaining things, teaching is a skill that can be developed through study, training, and practice. Teachers earn qualifications, learn classroom techniques, and improve by reflecting on what works. Even experienced teachers keep refining how they present ideas and support different kinds of learners.

Teaching happens whenever someone helps another person understand or do something. A maths teacher explaining fractions on a whiteboard is teaching, but so is a parent showing a child how to tie shoelaces, or a colleague demonstrating new software. Any clear explanation or demonstration aimed at helping someone learn counts as teaching.