Daily Word Box

Word

didactic

adjective C1

Meanings

adjective

Intended to teach or instruct, especially by giving a clear lesson or message.

Visual cue for didactic — meaning 1
adjective

Too eager to teach or preach a moral lesson, making something feel heavy-handed rather than entertaining.

Visual cue for didactic — meaning 2

Definition

Didactic describes something intended to teach, often in a way that feels too moralizing or instructive.

Didactic means designed to teach a lesson or give instruction, especially through books, films, speeches, or art. It often suggests the message is obvious and focused on improving the audience’s behavior or beliefs. Sometimes it sounds negative, implying the teaching feels heavy-handed or preachy.

Examples

  • The movie felt didactic, as if it cared more about its message than its story.
  • Her didactic tone made the meeting sound like a classroom lecture.
  • The novel is didactic but still enjoyable.
  • He avoided didactic speeches and let the team learn by doing.