English Reference

Word

education

Phoneticsed·u·ca·tion, stress on the third syllable

US/ˌɛdʒəˈkeɪʃən/

UK/ˌɛdʒuːkˈeɪʃən/

Definitions

01the process of teaching and learning

A2 · Elementary Uncountable noun

n. the process of teaching people, especially in a school, college, or university.

n. the systematic process of imparting or acquiring general knowledge, developing the powers of reasoning and judgment, and preparing oneself or others intellectually for mature life.

“The government is spending more money on education to improve local schools.”

“Universal access to primary education remains a cornerstone of international development goals, aimed at reducing systemic poverty across the region.”

02a person's specific schooling

A2 · Elementary Countable noun

n. the particular school or university experience that a person had.

n. the specific stage or type of formal instruction received by an individual.

“She received a good education at a small private college in the city.”

“His formal education was interrupted by the war, though he later completed his degree through a series of correspondence courses.”

03knowledge gained

B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. the knowledge and skills you have gained through learning.

n. the wealth of knowledge, acquired skills, and developed character resulting from a period of study.

“Travel can give you a different kind of education than books do.”

“The internship provided a practical education in corporate law that no classroom lecture could fully replicate.”

Antonyms

04the field of study

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Science Academic

n. the study of how to teach people.

n. the field of study that deals with the methods and problems of teaching; pedagogy.

“After finishing her degree, she decided to pursue a career in education.”

“Recent research in education suggests that smaller class sizes significantly improve student engagement in mathematics.”

Synonyms

pedagogydidactics

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “education” in context.

01. education system 02. formal education 03. general education 04. primary education 05. university education

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the general process; countable when referring to a specific person's schooling or a particular type of teaching system.

Confusables

education vs upbringing

Education happens in a classroom or through study, while upbringing is the way parents raise a child at home.

RememberEducation is for the mind; upbringing is for the character.

Word family

NOUN

Education(A2)

Related words

Domain

Education

This entry

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.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL 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: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Frequency
Very common
Level
A2 · ElementaryOxford
Updated

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