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Definition of didactic

didactic

/daɪˈdæk.tɪk/
di · dac · tic
Adverb:didactically
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didactic Lexical Profile

didactic Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Intended to teach or instruct, especially in having a moral lesson or educational purpose as an ulterior motive.

Example

"Aesop's fables are classic examples of didactic literature designed to impart practical wisdom to readers."

2

Inclined to teach or lecture others too much; patronizingly moralistic or preachy.

Example

"Critics complained that the director's latest film felt overly didactic rather than genuinely moving."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for didactic
Antonyms
View all antonyms for didactic

Word Nuance & Usage

While 'didactic' can neutrally describe educational materials or instructional literature, in modern usage—especially when applied to people, speeches, or art—it frequently carries a negative connotation of being overly preachy, moralistic, or patronizing.

• Rhymes for didactic

• Nearby Words

diction
dictionary
dictum
didactic
diddle
diddly
diddlyshit

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-17th century from Ancient Greek didaktikos ('apt at teaching, instructive'), from didaskein ('to teach').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Didactic. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/didactic
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