Didactic
Some novels lecture; some teachers forget to entertain; this adjective calls out the lesson when it swallows the story.
Learn This WordMeaning
Intended to teach, especially in a moralizing or overly instructive way.
Memory trick
DIDACTIC = DIDactic teaching, material that teaches (sometimes too loudly).
Examples
The novel’s didactic tone turned some readers off.
A good explainer can be teachable without being didactic.
The film was entertaining rather than didactic, but still thoughtful.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology
From Greek didaktikos "apt at teaching," from didaskein "to teach."
Usage Notes
Can be neutral (designed to teach) or negative (preachy). Context clarifies.
Real-life contexts
Give feedback: "It’s a bit didactic, show, don’t lecture."
Use for content: "We want helpful, not didactic, onboarding."
Use for tone: "Avoid didactic endings in fiction."
Common Mistakes
Didactic is not the same as "pedantic." Pedantic = fussy about details; didactic = moralizing or instructional.
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Part of Speech
adjective
Difficulty
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