Word of the Day
: August 10, 2026pedagogical
playWhat It Means
Pedagogical is a formal word used to describe things that are of or related to teachers or education.
// The new professor is known for particularly engaging pedagogical methods.
pedagogical in Context
“It’s a predictable part of every academic year at my institution: that time when we faculty are asked to submit course proposals and space requests. ... But the prosaic task of picking a classroom has hidden potential: It’s a chance to manifest a new pedagogical vision; it’s an instantiation of values in a time of profound change.” — Rachel Hastings, Inside Higher Ed, 4 June 2026
Did You Know?
Pedagogical was coined in the late 16th century from a Greek adjective of the same meaning. That adjective, paidagōgikos (“suitable for a teacher or trainer”), in turn comes from the noun paidagōgos, meaning “tutor.” The English word pedagogue (which can simply mean “teacher” but usually suggests one who is particularly pedantic or dull) comes from the same root. Although the words educational and teacher make the grade in most contexts, pedagogical and pedagogue are useful additions to the class.
Test Your Vocabulary with M-W Quizzes
Test Your Vocabulary
Rearrange the letters to form a word for a list of the topics or books that will be studied in a course:
