v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Taught p. pr. & vb. n. Teaching. ] [ OE. techen, imp. taughte, tahte, AS. t&aemacr_;cean, imp. t&aemacr_;hte, to show, teach, akin to tācn token. See Token. ] 1. To impart the knowledge of; to give intelligence concerning; to impart, as knowledge before unknown, or rules for practice; to inculcate as true or important; to exhibit impressively; as, to teach arithmetic, dancing, music, or the like; to teach morals. [ 1913 Webster ] If some men teach wicked things, it must be that others should practice them. South. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. To direct, as an instructor; to manage, as a preceptor; to guide the studies of; to instruct; to inform; to conduct through a course of studies; as, to teach a child or a class. “He taught his disciples.” Mark ix. 31. [ 1913 Webster ] The village master taught his little school. Goldsmith. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. To accustom; to guide; to show; to admonish. [ 1913 Webster ] I shall myself to herbs teach you. Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ] They have taught their tongue to speak lies. Jer. ix. 5. [ 1913 Webster ] ☞ This verb is often used with two objects, one of the person, the other of the thing; as, he taught me Latin grammar. In the passive construction, either of these objects may be retained in the objective case, while the other becomes the subject; as, I was taught Latin grammar by him; Latin grammar was taught me by him. [ 1913 Webster ] Syn. -- To instruct; inform; inculcate; tell; guide; counsel; admonish. See the Note under Learn. [ 1913 Webster ] |