To instruct or enlighten someone, especially in moral or intellectual matters; to build up someone's knowledge or character. It implies education that improves and uplifts the person.
From Old French 'edifier,' from Latin 'aedificare' meaning 'to build' (aedes 'building' + facere 'to make'). The metaphor of building extends from physical construction to building up someone's mind or character.
Edify sounds like 'edifice' (building) - when you edify someone, you're building up their knowledge or character! Think of education that doesn't just inform but actually makes you a better person.
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