An individual, a society, a nation and the whole world flourish through a system, which is called ‘Education’. Man is a supreme social creature having manifold qualities given by the God. He has his thinking, reasoning, and imagination power, which make him more responsible, rational, judicious and supreme one.

The term education is not a simple but a comprehensive and worthy one. The term is not a new but it has its traditional base. Especially in our Indian traditional point of view, ‘Education’ was given top priority for the child. It was termed as the only way to reach the ultimate truths of the world and individual life.

Now we have to discuss its various meanings from its derivative form. First of all we shall discuss its Indian meaning and then its Latin form.

Derivation meaning:

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Etymologically, the term ‘Siksha’ has come from the Sanskrit term ‘Shash’ which means to discipline, to control, to order, to direct, to rule, etc. When we are not doing correct or an in disciplinary act, education makes us disciplined controlling our behavior.

It is also derived from Sanskrit term ‘Vidya’ which means to know, i.e., knowledge; it is acquisition of knowledge, experiences and skills.

The word ‘education’ has been derived from Latin words-

‘Educare’, ‘Educare’ and ‘Educatum’, ‘e’+ ‘duco’.

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‘Educare’- The term ‘educare’ means to bring up, to rise, and to nourish, to train or mould. The child has to be brought up like a plant in the garden by the teacher. His potentialities should be developed with proper care and nourishment.

‘Educare’- The term ‘educare’ means ‘to lead out’, ‘to draw out’ and ‘to bring forth’. The innate powers of the individual should be properly cared and given scope to develop. Each and every child has the innate powers. It should be located and proper education to be provided to develop.

‘Educatum’- Education is something which is imposed from outside. It is external growth through activities and experience. The teacher, through education, provides instructions and gives direction to mould his abilities.

‘E+ duco’- The term ‘E’ means out of and ‘duco’ means ‘to lead’. The child has inherited potentialities. It is inborn. It should be developed but how and by whom? It is possible through education and by the active co-operation of the teacher.

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The term ‘educare’ connotes development of the latent possibilities of child. Child does not know his potentialities. It is the educator, who can know it and take necessary step to develop. The word ‘educare’ is widely accepted by modern educationists.

From the above derivative meaning, it is revealed that education is needed for a progressive society and targeted to bring overall prosperity to the individual by unfolding his potentialities.