Didactic
mediumNegative tonedy-DAK-tik
adjective
Definition
Intended to teach or moralize; educational in nature or purpose
Memory hook
DID-ACT-IC: the teacher DID ACT out lessons — intended to teach (sometimes annoyingly so).
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The teacher's didactic approach focused on explicit instruction rather than discovery learning.”
“Many Victorian novels had a didactic purpose, aiming to teach moral lessons to their readers.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The teacher's ______ approach focused on explicit instruction rather than discovery learning.”
Show answer
didactic
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Didactic is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "instructive" or "pedagogic" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "uninstructive".
Related GRE Words
admonish
To warn or reprimand someone firmly
allude
To suggest or call attention to indirectly; to hint at
allusion
An indirect reference, especially to something in literature or history
apprise
To inform or tell someone about something
articulate
Having or showing the ability to speak fluently and coherently
berate
To scold or criticize someone angrily and at length
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