education
education
Pronunciation
IPA Phonetic Spelling: /ˌɛdʒʊˈkeɪʃən/
Syllable Breakdown:
e-: /ɛ/ - The 'e' sound, like in "bed."
du-: /dʒʊ/ - The 'j' sound, followed by the 'oo' sound in "book."
ca-: /keɪ/ - The 'k' sound, followed by the 'ay' sound in "day."
tion: /ʃən/ - The 'sh' sound, followed by a schwa and 'n' sound.
Word Form Variations
Noun:
Singular: education
Plural: educations (less common, but can refer to different types or systems of education)
Verb:
educate (base form)
educates (3rd person singular present)
educated (past tense, past participle)
educating (present participle)
Adjective:
educational
educated (can also function as an adjective, e.g., "an educated person")
Adverb:
educationally
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
The process of acquiring knowledge, skills, values, beliefs, and habits, typically through systematic instruction, training, or experience.
Synonyms: schooling, learning, instruction, training, tutelage, pedagogy, cultivation
Antonyms: ignorance, illiteracy, unenlightenment, unlearning
The field of study or practice concerned with teaching and learning.
Synonyms: pedagogy, didactics
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for this sense, as it refers to a field of study)
The knowledge, skills, and understanding that an individual has gained through learning.
Synonyms: knowledge, erudition, wisdom, scholarship, enlightenment, literacy
Antonyms: ignorance, stupidity, foolishness, naivety
Verb (from "to educate")
To provide (someone) with knowledge, skills, or training, especially in a school or university setting.
Synonyms: teach, instruct, train, tutor, school, coach, enlighten
Antonyms: mislead, misinform, deceive, miseducate
To develop the mental, moral, or aesthetic faculties of (someone) through instruction.
Synonyms: cultivate, nurture, foster, develop, edify
Antonyms: neglect, stunt, diminish
Adjective (from "educational")
Relating to education; providing or designed to provide education.
Synonyms: instructional, pedagogic, academic, scholastic, didactic
Antonyms: uninstructive, non-educational
Adjective (from "educated")
Having acquired a good level of knowledge and intellectual development through learning.
Synonyms: knowledgeable, learned, cultured, scholarly, literate, enlightened
Antonyms: uneducated, ignorant, illiterate, uncultured, unlearned
Examples of Use
Books:
"He considered the education of his children the most important task of his life, ensuring they had access to the best schools and tutors." (from Educated by Tara Westover, February 2018)
"The novel explores themes of social class and the impact of education on personal ambition in Victorian England." (referencing Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, December 1860)
Newspapers:
"The new government initiative aims to boost funding for public education, particularly in underserved rural areas." (The New York Times)
"Experts debated the future of higher education amidst declining enrollment figures and rising tuition costs." (The Wall Street Journal)
Online Publications:
"Online learning platforms have revolutionized access to education globally, offering flexible alternatives to traditional schooling." (Forbes.com)
"A recent article on Vox.com discussed the link between early childhood education and long-term societal well-being." (Vox.com)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Television Series: "In the episode, the characters discuss the value of practical education versus theoretical knowledge for career success." (from The Good Place, Season 3, October 2018)
Documentary Film: "The documentary examines the historical evolution of women's education in various cultures across the centuries." (from He Named Me Malala, October 2015)
Podcast: "On this week's episode, we delve into the challenges facing special education programs in schools today." (from NPR's Life Kit, July 2024)
Video Games: "The game features a mini-game where players can invest in their character's education to unlock new skills and opportunities." (from Stardew Valley, February 2016)
General Public Discourse:
"During the town hall meeting, a citizen asked, 'What steps are being taken to improve the quality of education in our local schools?'" (Reported in local news)
"Parents often discuss the best approach to their children's education, weighing private versus public options." (Common conversation)
"Many believe that access to quality education is a fundamental human right." (Common advocacy statement)
10 Quotes Using Education
"The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet." (Aristotle)
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." (Nelson Mandela)
"The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows." (Sydney J. Harris)
"Upon the subject of education, not presuming to dictate any plan or system respecting it, I can only say that I view it as the most important subject which we as a people may be engaged in." (Abraham Lincoln)
"A good education is a foundation for a better future." (Elizabeth Warren)
"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." (William Butler Yeats)
"The true aim of education is not merely to impart knowledge but to awaken the human spirit." (Jiddu Krishnamurti)
"Education is simply the soul of a society as it passes from one generation to another." (G.K. Chesterton)
"Education makes a people easy to lead, but difficult to drive; easy to govern, but impossible to enslave." (Peter Brougham)
"Education is an admirable thing, but it is well to remember from time to time that nothing worth knowing can be taught." (Oscar Wilde)
Etymology
The word "education" comes from Latin roots, and its meaning has really evolved over time.
It's primarily linked to two Latin words:
"educare": This one means "to bring up," "to rear," or "to nourish." Think of it like a parent nurturing a child to grow.
"educere": This word means "to lead out" or "to draw out." This suggests bringing out potential or knowledge that's already within a person.
The English word "education" started appearing in the 1530s. At first, its meaning was quite broad, referring to "child-rearing" and even the "training of animals." It was about instructing someone in social rules and manners. By the early 1600s, the meaning shifted more specifically to "systematic schooling and training for work."
So, from a basic idea of bringing up and nurturing, "education" grew to mean formally leading someone out of ignorance and developing their skills and knowledge through structured teaching.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Education
Higher education: Refers to post-secondary schooling, like college or university.
Early childhood education: Programs and practices focused on young children (birth to age 8).
Lifelong education/learning: The continuous pursuit of knowledge and skills throughout one's life.
Distance education/learning: Learning conducted remotely, not in a traditional classroom.
Adult education: Programs designed for adult learners, often for professional development or personal enrichment.
Bypass education: To achieve success or knowledge without formal schooling.
A well-rounded education: An education that covers a broad range of subjects and skills, not just a specialized area.
On-the-job education/training: Learning practical skills and knowledge while working.
The pillars of education: Fundamental principles or components considered essential for a complete educational system.
To get an education: To attend school or learn formally.
A seat of learning: An institution (like a university) known for its academic excellence.
To go back to school: To resume formal education after a break.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of education from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
