Edification
/ˌɛdɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/noun
The process of improving someone morally or intellectually through instruction, example, or education.
Did you know?Early Christian writers used “edification” for the invisible construction of the soul and community, extending the language of physically building temples into moral formation.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Latin
Latin
aedificāre
“To build or construct, especially a house or temple; formed from aedēs, “building,” plus facere, “to make.””
Late Latin
Latin
aedificātiō
“Construction or building; increasingly used metaphorically for moral or spiritual improvement.”
12th Century
Old French
edification
“Building or construction; also moral instruction and spiritual improvement.”
14th Century
Middle English
edificacioun
“Instruction that improves character, especially religious or moral teaching.”
Modern English
English
edification
“Moral or intellectual improvement through instruction or example.”