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teach

verb
\ ˈtēch How to pronounce teach (audio) \
taught\ ˈtȯt How to pronounce taught (audio) \; teaching

Definition of teach

transitive verb

1a : to cause to know something taught them a trade
b : to cause to know how is teaching 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
4a : to instruct by precept, example, or experience
b : to make known and accepted experience teaches us our limitations
5 : to conduct instruction regularly in teach school

intransitive verb

: to provide instruction : act as a teacher
Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about teach

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Choose the Right Synonym for teach

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

teach, instruct, and train mean to cause to gain knowledge or skill. teach can be used of any method of passing on information or skill so that others may learn. She agreed to teach me how to play. instruct is used when the teaching is done in a formal or orderly manner. Teachers will instruct all students in the sciences. train is used for instruction with a particular purpose in mind. An engineer trained workers to operate the new machines.

Examples of teach in a Sentence

He enjoys teaching his students about history. She taught English for many years at the high school. The church teaches compassion and forgiveness. Someone needs to teach her right and wrong. The experience taught us that money doesn't mean everything. Her injury will teach her not to be so careless with a knife.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Our parents instilled the same values in us, taught us both about the history of the black diaspora, and gave us both African names to reclaim our heritage and culture. — Akintunde Ahmad, The Atlantic, "The Bleak Truth Behind My ‘Inspiring’ Path From Oakland to Yale," 12 Sep. 2019 According to a press release, Eells taught both graduate and undergraduate students in courses on counseling, social psychology and developmental psychology. — Brian Pascus, CBS News, "Head of University of Pennsylvania mental health services dies by suicide," 11 Sep. 2019 Alex has previously taught six National Geographic student photography workshops. — National Geographic, "Expedition Leaders," 10 Sep. 2019 Kerry Graham will be here to teach about protecting your elderly relative or yourself and how to get the most out of Medicare. — Houston Chronicle, "Katy-area calendar of events," 9 Sep. 2019 The future Hall of Fame receiver on what football has taught him about himself and his opponents. — Larry Fitzgerald, SI.com, "How Sports Can Help America Heal," 6 Sep. 2019 Pfoff said his district already teaches about consent and healthy relationships. — Anna Staver, The Denver Post, "Some Colorado schools want to challenge constitutionality of sex ed law," 5 Sep. 2019 Intended as a way to teach young children about morality, the dioramas portray severe modes of punishment, accompanied by a placard explaining the sin that warranted such lashings. — Caitlin Morton, Condé Nast Traveler, "Creepy Catacombs, Islands of Dolls, and 18 Other Terrifying Places for Thrill Seekers," 4 Sep. 2019 For years Steve Iriwn lit up our homes, teaching us about animals and conservation all while making us laugh. — Leah Asmelash, CNN, "5 Steve Irwin quotes that are also just great life advice," 4 Sep. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'teach.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of teach

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

History and Etymology for teach

Middle English techen to show, instruct, from Old English tǣcan; akin to Old English tācn sign — more at token entry 1

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More Definitions for teach

teach

verb
How to pronounce teach (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of teach

: to cause or help (someone) to learn about a subject by giving lessons
: to give lessons about (a particular subject) to a person or group
: to cause or help (a person or animal) to learn how to do something by giving lessons, showing how it is done, etc.

See the full definition for teach in the English Language Learners Dictionary

teach

verb
\ ˈtēch How to pronounce teach (audio) \
taught\ ˈtȯt \; teaching

Kids Definition of teach

1 : to help in learning how to do something : show how He taught me to swim.
2 : to guide the studies of A substitute is teaching the class today.
3 : to give lessons in She teaches math.
4 : to cause to know the unpleasant results of something That will teach you to talk back.

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