teacher
ˈtiːtʃə(r)
noun
Origin
Old English
tǣcan — to show, demonstrate, or instruct
Overview
Meaning Now
- A person who teaches, especially in a school.
- Someone whose job is to provide instruction or education.
Literal older meaning
one who shows or instructs
Language path
Proto-Germanic → Old English → Middle English → English
Earliest form
tǣcere
Earliest period
Old English
Journey
The word is rooted in the Germanic concept of 'showing' or 'pointing out' (related to token), reflecting an early pedagogical method based on demonstration.
Evolution
- Proto-Germanic
*taikijaną
“to show”
- Old English
tǣcan
“to show or teach”
- Middle English
techer
“one who teaches”
Connections
Word parts
teach
root
to instruct
-er
suffix
denoting a person who performs an action
Related across languages
German
zeigen
to show
Dutch
teken
sign
Related words
Explore next
Related to teacher
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.