Definition
“Didactic” is an adjective used to describe something that is intended to teach or instruct. It often refers to materials or activities that are designed to be educational or informative in a formal or structured way.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Adjective
Synonyms
Instructive, educational, informative, pedagogical, enlightening
Antonyms
Uninstructive, uninformative, unscholarly, non-educational
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | None |
| Verb | None |
| Adjective | didactic |
| Adverb | didactically |
Example Sentences
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The textbook was quite didactic in nature, providing clear explanations and examples to help students understand the material.
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The museum offered a didactic exhibit that explained the history and culture of the local area.
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The professor’s lectures were often didactic, providing students with a deep understanding of the subject matter.
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The children’s program was designed to be fun and entertaining while still being didactic, teaching important lessons about science and nature.
Usage
The word “didactic” is commonly used in the context of education, particularly when referring to materials or activities that are designed to teach or instruct in a formal or structured way. It can be used to describe textbooks, lectures, instructional videos, educational programs, and other learning resources.
The word “didactic” comes from the Greek word “didaktikos,” which means “apt at teaching.” The suffix “-ic” is added to the root “-dact” to create the adjective form of the word. This reflects the word’s origin as a term for things that are related to teaching or instruction.
The word “didactic” can also have a negative connotation when it is used to describe materials or activities that are perceived as being overly instructional or moralistic. In some contexts, being too didactic can be seen as patronizing or condescending. It is important to consider the audience and context when using the word “didactic” to avoid giving unintended negative connotations.
One common prefix that can be added to “didactic” is “para-” to create the word “paradidactic.” This term is used to describe materials or activities that are intended to be instructional or educational, but that are not necessarily part of a formal or structured educational program. Another related term is “didactism,” which refers to the emphasis on instruction or teaching in a particular field or activity.
In summary, “didactic” is an adjective that is used to describe things that are intended to teach or instruct, particularly in a formal or structured way. It can have a negative connotation in some contexts, so it’s important to consider the audience and context when using the word. The word can be modified with prefixes or suffixes to create related terms that reflect the idea of teaching or instruction.