edify Hear it!

edify definition

edi·fy (ed′i fī′)

transitive verb edified -·fied′, edifying -·fy′·ing

  1. to instruct in such a way as to improve, enlighten, or uplift morally, spiritually, or intellectually
  2. Archaic to build; establish

Etymology: ME edifien < OFr edifier < L aedificare, to build, construct (in LL(Ec) to edify) < aedes, a dwelling, house, temple, orig., hearth, fireplace < IE base *ai-dh-, to burn (> Gr aithein, to burn, OE ad, pyre) + -ficare < facere, to make, do

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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