teaching
Meaning
The work or profession of a teacher.
Ideas or beliefs that are taught by a person, religion, etc.
Structure
Usage
She has a lot of experience in language teaching.
The teachings of the philosopher influenced many generations.
He went into teaching after graduating from university.
Etymology
The word 'teaching' originates from the Old English verb 'tǣcan', which meant to show, demonstrate, or instruct. This verb is related to the Old English noun 'tācn', meaning a sign or token, suggesting the core idea of conveying knowledge by giving signs or pointing things out. The addition of the '-ing' suffix, a common Germanic method for forming nouns from verbs, transforms the action into a concept denoting the profession, activity, or body of knowledge itself. Thus, the literal progression from "showing a sign" to the modern abstract concept of systematic instruction captures the evolution of pedagogical practice.
Analysis
'teach' is from Old English 'tǣcan' (to show, point out, instruct), of Germanic origin. '-ing' is a suffix from Old English '-ung' or '-ing', forming verbal nouns indicating an action or its result.