CultureAugust 22, 2026

didactic

dy-DAK-tik

Definition

Intended to teach, particularly in a way that is overly moralizing, preachy, or instructive.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek word 'didaktikos,' meaning 'apt at teaching,' which comes from the verb 'didaskein,' meaning 'to teach.'

In the news

The jury praised a short film for telling its story 'without being didactic,' meaning the film successfully conveys emotion and meaning without feeling like it is lecturing or forcing a lesson upon the audience.

Sandra Wollner’s ‘Everytime’ Wins Best Film in Sarajevo, Ana Urushadze Crowned Best Director

Read the full article ↗

The Hollywood Reporter

Related words

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.