ShortMeaning, pronunciation & vowel sounds
Erudite Meaning & Pronunciation
/ˈɛrjəˌdaɪt/ · adjective
Erudite describes a person, or a piece of writing, that shows deep knowledge gained from extensive reading and study. It means scholarly and well-read.
How to say it
How to pronounce erudite
erudite
The vowel breakdown
Vowel sounds in erudite
Each vowel sound below shows the letters that spell it, the sound they make, and the phonics pattern behind it.
A short /ɛ/ in the stressed first syllable, followed by r, as in the word error.
Practise this pattern →The u in the middle syllable is reduced to a quick /jə/ (some speakers say plain /ə/).
The ending is a silent-e pattern like kite and bite, so the i says its own name.
Practise this pattern →Definition
What does erudite mean?
Having or showing great knowledge or learning, especially from books and study.
“Her erudite lecture drew on sources in five different languages.”
Describing writing or speech that is learned and scholarly in style.
“The professor's erudite footnotes ran longer than the article itself.”
Word forms: erudite · erudition (noun)
The noun is erudition, meaning deep learning, as in a woman of great erudition.
Where it comes from
Origin of erudite
Erudite comes from Latin eruditus, meaning instructed or polished, from erudire, to instruct. It literally means brought out of a rough, untaught state (e- meaning out of, and rudis meaning rough).
Similar words
Frequently asked questions
What does erudite mean?
Erudite means having or showing great knowledge or learning, especially from extensive reading and study. It is a close synonym of scholarly and learned.
How do you pronounce erudite?
In American English, erudite is /ˈɛrjəˌdaɪt/, or ER-yuh-dyte. The stress is on the first syllable, and the last syllable rhymes with kite.
Is erudite a compliment?
Usually yes. It praises someone's learning, though it can sometimes sound slightly formal or bookish, especially if used about speech.
What is the noun form of erudite?
The noun is erudition, meaning deep, scholarly learning.