Educable

/ˈɛd.ju.kə.bəl/ adjective

Definition

Capable of being educated or trained; able to learn and develop through instruction.

Etymology

From Latin educabilis, from educare (to lead out, raise, train) + -ble (able to). The Latin root e- (out) + ducere (to lead) literally means 'to lead out,' suggesting drawing forth potential.

Kelly Says

The word 'educable' contains a hidden metaphor—it originally meant 'able to be led out,' imagining education as unlocking something already inside a person rather than pouring information in from outside, which is why Plato and Socrates used it.

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