Speech and style

erudite

AIR-yuh-dyte · adjective

Having or showing extensive scholarly knowledge.

A scholarly owl citing books in an airy library, a mnemonic for erudite

Memory connection

Picture “airy, you cite

An owl floats through an airy library and cites a different book for every answer, displaying immense learning.

The sound cue helps you reach the scene; the action in the scene carries you from the scene to the definition.

Use it accurately

Meaning in context

The lecturer was erudite without making beginners feel unwelcome.
Her essay is an erudite examination of trade along the ancient coast.

Erudite describes deep learning acquired through study, or writing and conversation that display such learning. It is more specific than intelligent.

Common patterns

  • an erudite scholar
  • erudite discussion
  • both witty and erudite

Quick check

Can you retrieve the meaning?

What would make a history lecture erudite?

Choose an answer, then explain it in your own words.