Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

maieutic

adjective

/ˌmaɪˈjuːtɪk/

Definition

Relating to or denoting the Socratic method of eliciting new ideas from another.

Examples

The professor used a maieutic approach in his teaching, asking questions that prompted his students to think critically.
Through maieutic conversations, the therapist helped the patient explore their feelings and find their own solutions.
Her maieutic style of engagement brought out creative solutions during team meetings.

Meaning

The term ‘maieutic’ comes from the idea of a midwife (maia in Greek), which reflects the method of drawing out ideas from a person rather than merely imparting knowledge to them. It emphasizes dialogue and questioning to help others discover their own understanding.