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Teach Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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teach

[tiหสง ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

instruct

To impart knowledge or skill to someone through instruction or example. It involves explaining, demonstrating, and guiding someone in order to help them learn.

Synonyms

educate, instruct, train.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
teach

Generally used when imparting knowledge or skills, especially in a formal setting such as a classroom.

  • She teaches mathematics at the local high school
  • He loves to teach young children how to read
instruct

Often used when giving detailed information or directions on how to do something specific. Can be more formal and serious.

  • The coach instructed the players on how to improve their techniques
  • The manual instructs users on how to set up the device
educate

Focuses on the broader process of learning, encouraging critical thinking and understanding, often in a formal or institutional context.

  • Schools aim to educate students to be responsible citizens
  • The organization works to educate the public about environmental protection
train

Used when the focus is on teaching specific skills or behaviors, often for a particular job or activity. It usually involves repetition and practice.

  • She trains employees on how to use the new software
  • They train every day to prepare for the marathon

Examples of usage

  • She teaches English at the local school.
  • He taught me how to swim.
Context #2 | Verb

discipline

To cause someone to learn by example or experience that certain behavior is unacceptable or inappropriate. It involves setting boundaries, enforcing rules, and correcting behavior.

Synonyms

indoctrinate, instruct, train.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
teach

Appropriate for general education and learning, especially in schools and universities. It implies sharing knowledge or skills in a broad sense without any negative connotations.

  • Ms. Johnson loves to teach history to her high school students.
  • Parents often teach their children basic manners and values.
train

Often used when talking about teaching skills or abilities, particularly physical or technical skills. It implies a process of practice and repetition to achieve proficiency.

  • He is training to become a professional boxer.
  • The company will train new employees on the software.
indoctrinate

This has a negative connotation and is used when someone is being taught to accept a set of beliefs uncritically. Often associated with propaganda or manipulation.

  • The regime attempts to indoctrinate young people with its ideology.
  • He was indoctrinated into the cult at a young age.
instruct

Mostly used in scenarios where specific, direct, or formal teaching is required. Commonly seen in professional settings, training sessions, or when giving a structured set of instructions.

  • The coach will instruct the players on the new tactics.
  • She was instructed to follow the safety guidelines carefully.

Examples of usage

  • She taught her dog not to beg at the table.
  • His parents taught him the value of hard work.
Context #3 | Noun

profession

The profession or occupation of a teacher, typically in a school or university. It involves the transfer of knowledge and skills to students through various methods of instruction.

Synonyms

education, instruction, pedagogy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
teach

Use when referring to the act of imparting knowledge or skills to someone, typically in a more general sense. Suitable for both formal and informal settings.

  • She loves to teach children how to read.
  • He volunteered to teach English to immigrants.
education

Best used when discussing formal systems of learning, such as schools, colleges, and universities. It often refers to the overall process and institution rather than individual acts of teaching.

  • Education is crucial for personal development and societal progress.
  • She pursued higher education in European universities.
instruction

Appropriate in contexts where specific directives or detailed steps are being communicated. This can be in educational settings as well as in practical tasks such as following a manual.

  • The piano instructor gave her clear instruction on finger positioning.
  • The manual provides instructions on how to assemble the furniture.
pedagogy

Used in more academic or theoretical discussions about teaching methods and strategies. Typically employed by educators and researchers.

  • Her research focuses on modern pedagogy techniques and their effectiveness.
  • The conference on pedagogy explored various innovative teaching methods.

Examples of usage

  • She chose to pursue a career in teaching.
  • He has a passion for teaching mathematics.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

  • The concept of teaching dates back to ancient civilizations, where elders taught the young important survival and cultural skills.
  • In Ancient Greece, philosophers like Socrates taught through dialogue, encouraging students to think for themselves and question everything.

Psychology

  • Studies show that when people teach others, they solidify their own understanding of the subject matter in their minds.
  • The 'teaching effect' posits that teaching others can lead to better retention of knowledge than learning alone.

Pop Culture

  • Many popular movies focus on the relationship between teachers and students, showcasing the impact of education, like 'Dead Poets Society'.
  • In songs, themes of teaching often revolve around imparting life lessons, such as in 'Teach Your Children' by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.

Literature

  • Classic literature often highlights mentorship and teaching, such as the relationship between the wizard Gandalf and Frodo in 'The Lord of the Rings'.
  • Many children's books focus on lessons taught through story, emphasizing moral and social education.

Origin of 'teach'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'teach' comes from the Old English 'tวฃcan', which means 'to show' or 'to point out'.
  • Related words in other languages, like 'enseรฑar' in Spanish and 'enseigner' in French, also mean to show or instruct.

The word 'teach' originated from the Old English word 'tรฆฬ„can' which means 'to show, point out, declare, demonstrate'. It has evolved over time to encompass the act of imparting knowledge or skills to others. Teaching has been a fundamental aspect of human society, with educators playing a crucial role in shaping the minds of future generations.

See also: taught, teachable, teacher, teachers, teaching, teachings, untaught.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,646, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.