edifying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "edifying" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is educational, informative, or morally uplifting. Example: "The lecture on environmental conservation was truly edifying, providing valuable insights into sustainable practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is not edifying, that is why I feel we had to do our best to get round the table and see if there are grounds for consideration for the move but it [the clause] is not specific and 100% certain".

The Guardian - Sport

AS CALLS to arms go, it was not exactly edifying.

The Economist

However, had you even passingly acknowledged that some women may spend their 20s neither clubbing nor child-rearing, but working, and their money on neither nappies nor handbags, but on down-payments for a house, that would have been still more edifying.

The Economist

And he has all but said that if he doesn't get a tunnel Ms Gregoire and her $2.4 billion can take a hike.The spectacle of the bulky, dark-haired Mr Nickels mud-wrestling with the diminutive, honey-haired Ms Gregoire has not been edifying.

The Economist

Mr Perry duly obliged.What elections are forComedy, vanity, pomposity, flashes of mendacity: the Republican campaign has not been edifying.

The Economist

The contest among them, which Mr Brown may remain to preside over, should be edifying.

The Economist

It would have been a matter of months, weeks even, before a flotilla of wonks sailed out of their think-tanks and shot him full of holes.The transformation of democracy into an endless war of pundits may not be edifying; it may offend America's idealistic strain.

The Economist

And, at times, his gossip titillates without edifying.

The Economist

At the same time, "he raised his hand, and over the desolate earth he traced in space the sign of the dollar".The persistent success of "Atlas Shrugged" and "The Fountainhead" shows that Rand died (in 1982) without heirs to her blend of long-winded romance, edifying techno-psychology, and obdurate ideological rigidity, without situating such a tale in the ghetto of science fiction.

The Economist

THE sight of a pack of adults shouting at each other is rarely edifying.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Less forgivably, he created a faction within his party that included some of the most disreputable practitioners of Italy's seldom-edifying cold-war politics.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "edifying" when you want to describe something that not only informs but also has a positive impact on one's understanding or moral compass. This word is particularly effective in academic, journalistic, and literary contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "edifying" in casual conversations or informal writing. Its formal tone can sound pretentious or out of place. Opt for simpler alternatives like "informative" or "helpful" in everyday settings.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "edifying" functions to describe something as providing intellectual, moral, or spiritual improvement. Ludwig AI confirms this adjective provides valuable insights, as evidenced in various contexts from news articles to academic texts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "edifying" describes something that is intellectually or morally uplifting. Ludwig AI identifies that this word is grammatically correct and very common. Predominantly used in news, scientific, and encyclopedia sources, "edifying" serves to highlight the beneficial impact of information or experiences. While generally appropriate, it's best to avoid using this word in informal settings to maintain a natural tone. Alternatives such as "instructive" or "enlightening" can be used for similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instructive

Focuses on providing knowledge or teaching a lesson.

enlightening

Highlights the aspect of gaining insight or understanding.

illuminating

Emphasizes the clarification of a subject or situation.

informative

Stresses the provision of useful information or details.

uplifting

Conveys a sense of moral or spiritual elevation.

improving

Highlights the positive impact on one's knowledge or morals.

educative

Focuses on the educational aspect of the experience.

beneficial

Emphasizes the helpful or advantageous nature of something.

worthwhile

Highlights the value and merit of the experience.

enriching

Emphasizes the enhancing or improving quality of the experience.

FAQs

How can I use "edifying" in a sentence?

You can use "edifying" to describe experiences, content, or conversations that provide intellectual or moral value. For example, "The lecture was an "edifying" experience for the students" or "Reading classic literature can be "edifying".".

What can I say instead of "edifying"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "instructive", "enlightening", or "uplifting". "Instructive" focuses on teaching, while "enlightening" emphasizes gaining understanding, and "uplifting" refers to moral or spiritual improvement.

Which is correct, "edifying" or "edifyingly"?

"Edifying" is an adjective that describes something that provides intellectual or moral instruction. "Edifyingly" is an adverb, which modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb, indicating that something is done in an "edifying" manner.

What is the difference between "edifying" and "informative"?

"Edifying" implies a positive moral or intellectual impact, suggesting that something not only informs but also improves one's understanding or character. "Informative" simply means providing information, without necessarily implying any improvement or moral upliftment. In some cases, what's informative can be "edifying", but not necessarily and vice versa.