teach

verb

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\ ˈtēch

taught\ ˈtȯt

\; 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.

Recent Examples on the Web He's also been involved with restorative justice programs, taught at Marquette and Cardinal Stritch universities, and trained police and prosecutors about domestic violence. — Bruce Vielmetti, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "In race with questions about true residency, 2 challengers seek to unseat Scott Walker court appointee," 14 Feb. 2020 The space will also make use of open kitchens, displaying interactive cooking demonstrations and classes that teach guests to prepare stir-fries, craft unique desserts, and slow-cook clay pot meals. — Dakota Kim, Sunset Magazine, "A Chinese Food Megastore and Restaurant Will Open at Seattle’s Amazon HQ in Early 2021," 12 Feb. 2020 Hours after the photograph circulated on social media, the FCPS issued a statement apologizing to the community and explaining that the flag was inside a classroom where World War II history was being taught. — Christina Carrega, ABC News, "School officials launch an investigation into a Nazi flag hanging inside a classroom," 11 Feb. 2020 There is also the issue of American art before World War II, which is barely taught in universities and consistently struggles to beat its reputation for being European-derived. — Zachary Fine, The New York Review of Books, "Swampland Sublime: The Landscapes of Louisiana," 8 Feb. 2020 Early in his career, Mr. Ebbers taught physical education and worked in a garment factory. — James R. Hagerty, WSJ, "Fall of WorldCom’s Bernard Ebbers Sent Chilling Message to CEOs," 6 Feb. 2020 In addition to teaching and promoting Mexican American culture, the collective will focus on building alliances with U.S. indigenous groups and indigenous peoples in the rest of the Americas. — Elaine Ayala, ExpressNews.com, "Ayala: New project uses Segundo de Febrero to launch 50-year effort to preserve Mexican American culture," 4 Feb. 2020 Nothing like finger food for teaching a noble and necessary lesson—and nothing could be better for the Super Bowl than a piled of golden-fried fish sticks. — The Editors, Field & Stream, "The Ultimate Super Bowl Food Menu for Hunters and Anglers," 30 Jan. 2020 We were taught that Starfleet could absorb anyone, no matter how different, into the great and diverse melting pot and become stronger for it. — Kate Cox, Ars Technica, "Star Trek: Picard frontloads fanservice so it can get on with going boldly," 24 Jan. 2020

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.