Word
didactic
Phoneticsdi·dac·tic, stress on the second syllable
US/daɪˈdæktɪk/
UK/dɪdˈæktɪk/
Definition
adj. describing something that is meant to teach or explain a lesson. It often feels a bit boring or too serious because it focuses only on giving information.
adj. intended to instruct or teach; having a moralizing or instructive tone. Often carries a negative connotation of being overly serious or lacking in entertainment value.
Examples
“The teacher gave a very didactic lecture on history.”
“The book is so didactic that it feels more like a textbook than a story.”
“While the author's intent was to educate the public on environmental issues, the didactic tone of the final chapter alienated many readers who preferred a more nuanced approach.”
Examples
simple
“The teacher gave a very didactic lecture on history.”
contextual
“The book is so didactic that it feels more like a textbook than a story.”
complex
“While the author's intent was to educate the public on environmental issues, the didactic tone of the final chapter alienated many readers who preferred a more nuanced approach.”
Real-World Examples
“Like the film itself, Palmer’s performance is not remotely didactic: we’re not told what to think or how to respond, particularly when it comes to moral perspectives.” “Cruise plays Curtis Markson, an actor who is portraying Digger onstage in a didactic, satirical play decades after the rig really exploded and left the world in ruins.” “Yes, the tales are riveting and masterfully composed; but they are also didactic, replete with life lessons, sage advice, and observations on the ways of the world.” Etymology
From French didactique, from Ancient Greek διδακτικός (didaktikós, “skilled in teaching”), from διδακτός (didaktós, “taught, learnt”), from διδάσκω (didáskō, “I teach, educate”). By surface analysis, didact + -ic.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/didactic