docendi

Docendi is a Latin term functioning as the genitive singular of the gerund form of the verb docere, meaning “to teach.” In Latin, the gerund expresses the abstract notion of an action, and its genitive, docendi, translates as “of teaching” or “for teaching.” The word appears in phrases that reference teaching as a concept or activity within a broader expression.

In usage, docendi is typically part of Latin constructions rather than a standalone English term. Common examples include docendi causa, meaning “for the sake of teaching,” and similar phrases where the idea of teaching is the focus of the clause. Because it is a grammatical form rather than a modern vocabulary item, docendi is most frequently encountered in classical texts, medieval scholastic writings, or discussions of Latin grammar and educational terminology.

In modern contexts, docendi is mainly of interest to scholars studying Latin language, pedagogy’s historical roots, or the linguistic heritage of education terms. It is etymologically linked to other educational words such as docere (to teach) and to later Latin-derived terms like doctor and docent, which reflect the historical association between teaching and scholarly authority. As a Latin grammatical form, docendi does not function as an independent concept in contemporary pedagogy, but it remains a useful marker in classical and philological discussions of teaching.