- Today's Word
Edify
ED-uh-fye
Definition
(verb) To instruct or improve someone morally or intellectually.
Example
The speaker hoped his words would edify the audience, not just entertain them.
Fun Fact
Edify comes from Latin aedificare, meaning “to build”—and that metaphor still holds. When you edify someone, you’re building them up with knowledge or insight. It’s often used in religious or philosophical contexts, but also applies to writing, art, or film that challenges us to think more deeply. A TED Talk can be informative—but the really good ones? They edify.
(adjective) Having a red or flushed complexion; or overly elaborate and showy in style.
The florid writing style distracted from the simplicity of the message.
Late Middle English: from Latin floridus ‘flowery’, from flos, flor- meaning “flower.”