B1verb1K

Educate

UK /["/ˈedʒukeɪt/","/ˈedʒukeɪts/","/ˈedʒukeɪtɪd/","/ˈedʒukeɪtɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈedʒukeɪt/","/ˈedʒukeɪts/","/ˈedʒukeɪtɪd/","/ˈedʒukeɪtɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to teach somebody over a period of time at a school, university, etc.

In simple words: to teach someone about something

Examples

  • She was educated in the US.
  • All their children have been educated privately.
  • He was educated at his local comprehensive school and then at Oxford.
  • He believed the BBC's purpose was ‘to inform, educate and entertain’.
  • The industry wants to **educate the public**, but not cause undue concern.
  • Children need to be educated on the dangers of drug-taking.
  • an effort to educate consumers about the importance of long-term saving from an early age
  • The campaign is intended to educate people to respect the environment.
  • We must educate people into recycling more of their rubbish.
  • We recognize the need to educate doctors on how to deal with these patients.

Usage notes

Use 'educate' when referring to formal teaching. Avoid in very casual settings; often used when discussing teaching in schools or providing information.

Grammar pattern

educate + object

Memory hint

Think of 'educate' as 'EDUcation' + 'ate' – feeding your mind!

Collocations

  • educate the public
  • educate yourself
  • educate children
  • well-educated
  • formally educated

Synonyms

  • instruct
  • teach
  • train
  • inform
  • enlighten

Antonyms

  • ignorance
  • misinform
  • unlearn

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'educational', using it in the wrong context.
  • Using it as a noun instead of a verb.
  • Incorrectly using it for informal learning situations.