Definition

1. Noun:
   • The process of receiving or giving systematic instruction, especially at a school or university: "Education" refers to the formal or informal process of teaching and learning knowledge, skills, and values.
   • A body of knowledge acquired while being educated: "Education" can also refer to the knowledge and intellectual development resulting from this process.
   • The theory and practice of teaching: "Education" denotes the field of study or profession concerned with methods and principles of teaching and learning.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The government has increased funding for public education. (The government has increased funding for the system of teaching and learning in public schools.)
  • She has a master's degree in education. (She has an advanced degree in the field of teaching methodology.)
  • His formal education ended when he was sixteen. (His period of structured schooling concluded at age sixteen.)

Advanced Usage

• "to get an education": to undergo a process of formal learning.
  • She moved to the city to get a better education.
• "the value of education": the importance or benefits provided by learning.
  • His parents always stressed the value of education.
• "adult education": instructional courses intended for adults.
  • The community college offers many adult education classes in the evenings.

Variants and Related Words

• Educational (adj): relating to the provision of education.
  • The museum trip was both fun and educational.
• Educate (v): to teach someone, especially in a formal setting.
  • The program aims to educate young people about health.
• Educator (n): a person who provides instruction or education; a teacher.
  • She is a respected educator with twenty years of experience.

Synonyms

• Schooling: instruction received at school.
• Training: the action of teaching a person or animal a particular skill or type of behavior.
• Instruction: the act of teaching.

Related Phrases

• Higher education: education at a college or university level.
  • Access to higher education has expanded in recent decades.
• Physical education: instruction in physical exercise and games, especially in schools.
  • All students are required to take physical education.

Related Idioms

• A liberal education: a broad education intended to foster general intellectual and moral qualities rather than specific skills.
  • The university is committed to providing a liberal education.
• To finish one's education: to complete a formal course of study.
  • After finishing her education, she started her own business.

Noun

1. the United States federal department that administers all federal programs dealing with education (including federal aid to educational institutions and students); created 1979
2. the result of good upbringing (especially knowledge of correct social behavior)
   • a woman of breeding and refinement
3. the profession of teaching (especially at a school or college or university)
4. the gradual process of acquiring knowledge
   • education is a preparation for life
   • a girl's education was less important than a boy's
5. knowledge acquired by learning and instruction
   • it was clear that he had a very broad education
6. the activities of educating or instructing; activities that impart knowledge or skill
   • he received no formal education
   • our instruction was carefully programmed
   • good classroom teaching is seldom rewarded