edify

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English[edit]

Alternative forms[edit]

Etymology[edit]

From Old French edifier (to build, to edify), from Latin aedificare (build).

Pronunciation[edit]

  • IPA(key): /ˈɛdɪfaɪ/
  • (file)

Verb[edit]

edify (third-person singular simple present edifies, present participle edifying, simple past and past participle edified)

  1. (now rare) To build, construct.
  2. (transitive) To instruct or improve morally or intellectually.
    • January 23, 1783, Edward Gibbon, letter to Dr. Priestley
      It does not appear probable that our dispute [about miracles] would either edify or enlighten the public.
    • 1813, The Connecticut Evangelical Magazine, Vol. VI, page 455:
      That they ought to edify one another by maintaining and promoting the knowledge of truth.
    • 1641, Francis Bacon, A Wise and Moderate Discourse, Concerning Church-Affaires:
      frustrate the best endeavours in the edifying of the church

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