Ed·i·fy v. i. [imp. & p. p. Edified p. pr. & vb. n. Edifying.]
1. To build; to construct. [Archaic]
There was a holy chapel edified. --Spenser.
2. To instruct and improve, especially in moral and religious knowledge; to teach.
It does not appear probable that our dispute [about miracles] would either edify or enlighten the public. --Gibbon.
3. To teach or persuade. [Obs.]
Ed·i·fy·ing a. Instructing; improving; as, an edifying conversation. -- Ed*i*fy*ing*ly, adv. -- Ed*i*fy*ing*ness, n.
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edifying
adj : enlightening or uplifting so as to encourage intellectual or
moral improvement; "the paintings in the church served
an edifying purpose even for those who could not read"
[syn: enlightening] [ant: unedifying]