ˈtēch verb
( taught ˈtȯt, usu -ȯd.+V ; taught ; teaching ; teaches )
Etymology: Middle English techen, from Old English tǣcan to show, instruct; akin to Old English tācen, tācn sign, token — more at token
transitive verb
1. obsolete : show , guide , direct
2.
a. : to cause to know a subject
all children are taught the three R's
taught his sons a trade
b. : to cause to know how to do something : show how
my father is teaching me to drive
c. : to accustom to some action or attitude
should teach students to think for themselves
have been taught respect for the self-made man
d. : to make (one) know the disagreeable consequences of some action
I'll teach you to come home late
3. : to direct as an instructor : guide the studies of : conduct through a course of studies : give instruction to
the most active mind that I have ever taught
4.
a. : to impart the knowledge of
teach algebra
b. : to present in a classroom lecture or discussion
have taught Hamlet many times
c. : to instruct in the rules, principles, or practice of
teach music
teach dancing
5.
a. : to direct, instruct, or train by precept, example, or experience
that same prayer does teach us all to render the deeds of mercy — Shakespeare
had taught himself to view the war as one of God's processes — R.M.Weaver
b. : to seek to make known and accepted : implant , preach
the philosopher taught purity, moderation, and self-containment
the culture which taught despising of the body — H.A.Overstreet
experience teaches us that our powers are limited
6. : to conduct instruction regularly in
taught school for several years before her marriage
intransitive verb
1.
a. : to provide instruction, guidance, or discipline : act or become employed as a teacher
has taught in the public schools for many years
b. : to propound a doctrine : demonstrate a lesson or moral
a work that teaches without becoming overly moralistic
2. : to be capable of exposition or explanation
a book that teaches easily
Synonyms:
instruct , educate , train , discipline , school , coach , tutor : teach is a general term for causing one to acquire knowledge or skill, usually with the imparting of necessary incidental information and the giving of incidental help and encouragement
teach a child to read
teaching him algebra
taught the boys how to swim
instruct may suggest methodical, continuing, or formal teaching
instruct the men in safety procedures
instructing students in military drill
educate may apply to more pretentious processes of teaching and instruction designed to ensure full development of the capacities of a more intelligent person
a school designed to educate candidates for the ministry
a program to educate the leaders of tomorrow
train may suggest methodical, thorough instruction and guidance with a specific end in mind until rapid and successful execution of duties and tasks is assured
a trained anesthetist
officers' training schools
a trained radio actress
discipline calls attention to subordination to a master or subjection to control, sometimes one's own
well- disciplined cadets
disciplined party workers
one must not let one's thoughts run on like this: one must discipline one's mind — Victoria Sackville-West
school , often interchangeable with others in this set, perhaps more often has suggestions of train although it lacks the specificity of this latter word
the growing demand by industry for able people schooled in engineering and business administration — Report of General Motors Corp.
with division, corps, and Army staffs schooled in the same language, practices, and techniques — W.P.Corderman
schooled himself to accept her will, in this as in other matters, as absolute and unquestionable — Thomas Hardy
coach is likely to refer to training with demonstration and practice in some specialized, often extracurricular activity
coaching football
was coaching the school play
tutor usually applies to teaching on an individual basis in some specialized subject
tutoring him in mathematics
special tutoring sessions for those deficient
the enemies of this faith know no god but force, no devotion but its use. They tutor men in treason — D.D.Eisenhower