education
Pluraleducations (some meanings)
- 1The work of teaching people knowledge, skills, and good judgment.
Like building a house brick by brick, except the bricks are new things you learn.
Many people believe that education is the key to a better life.
Her parents valued education more than almost anything else.
UsageIt means school and learning, not good manners. For how a child is raised, say upbringing.
Similarteaching, schooling, instruction, training, tuition
- 2Schools and teaching seen as a kind of work, a subject people study, or a service for the public.
My aunt has worked in education for thirty years.
The governor promised to spend more money on education.
UsageSay in education: she works in education.
Similarteaching
- 3The knowledge and skills that someone has learned, especially at school.
Like a toolbox you fill over the years, where each new thing you learn is another tool.
She uses her education in nursing every day at the hospital.
A strong education in math helped her land the job.
UsageSay a good education or an education in something.
Less common meanings
- 4Something that happens to you and teaches you a lot, often about things that are new or surprising.
Working in that busy restaurant was a real education for me.
Raising a puppy turned out to be quite an education.
UsageOften quite an education: it taught you more than you expected.
Similareye-opener, lesson, revelation
- 5The way a child is brought up, especially how they learn to behave.
Like a gardener shaping a young plant as it grows.
Her gentle education had taught her to curtsy and speak softly.
I found them [my children] all I could wish and progressing rapidly under the truly maternal care of the kind Sisters who cared for their education.
1861, E. J. Guerin, Mountain CharleyHere, education means the raising and bringing up of the children.Note
Practice
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Origin
It came from Latin, from a word meaning to bring up or train, and reached English through Middle French éducation.
Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 3 facts
- Education derives from Latin. en.wiktionary.org
- The Latin root means to bring up or train. en.wiktionary.org
- Education entered English through Middle French éducation. en.wiktionary.org