v.
Pronunciation: ' t ē ch
Function: verb
Inflected Form: taught \ ' to ̇ t \ ; teach · ing
Etymology: Middle English techen to show, instruct, from Old English t ǣ can; akin to Old English t ā cn sign ― more at TOKEN
Date: before 12th century
transitive verb
1 a : to cause to know something < taught them a trade> b : to cause to know how <is teach ing me to drive> c : to accustom to some action or attitude < teach students to think for themselves> d : to cause to know the disagreeable consequences of some action <I'll teach you to come home late>
2 : to guide the studies of
3 : to impart the knowledge of < teach algebra>
4 a : to instruct by precept, example, or experience b : to make known and accepted <experience teach es us our limitations>
5 : to conduct instruction regularly in < teach school>
intransitive verb : to provide instruction : act as a teacher
usage see LEARN
synonyms TEACH , INSTRUCT , EDUCATE , TRAIN , DISCIPLINE , SCHOOL mean to cause to acquire knowledge or skill. TEACH applies to any manner of imparting information or skill so that others may learn < taught us a lot about our planet>. INSTRUCT suggests methodical or formal teaching < instructs raw recruits in military drill>. EDUCATE implies development of the mind <more things than formal schooling serve to educate a person>. TRAIN stresses instruction and drill with a specific end in view < trained foreign pilots to operate the new aircraft>. DISCIPLINE implies training in habits of order and precision <a disciplined mind>. SCHOOL implies training or disciplining especially in what is hard to master < schooled the horse in five gaits>.