erudite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "erudite" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is knowledgeable, well-educated, or scholarly. Example: "The professor's erudite lectures captivated the students and inspired them to delve deeper into the subject matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It doesn't sound like it was quite the erudite examination into the potential of statistical analysis of hockey that one might have hoped for.

The Guardian - Sport

For the coming autumn collection – which starts to hit shelves in August – suitably erudite inspirations include a book of photographs by the architect John Pawson ("amazing images of nature, with intense autumnal colours, bold oranges and saffrons", says Andersson) as well as Patti Smith and Nick Cave.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Piketty delivers this speech, erudite and powerful, with a quiet passion.

The Guardian - Books

The early signs were that the expressive and erudite Poyet, fresh from delivering Premier League salvation for Sunderland, was a good early bet for the best newcomer on the punditry couch.

The Guardian - Sport

Just a few hours after Air Force One left Dublin and crossed the Irish Sea, there was a fascinating debate on RTE's Frontline programme, hosted by the excellent and erudite Irish broadcaster Pat Kenny.

The Guardian

Richard Barnett's superbly erudite and lucid accompanying text would really suffice in itself as an introduction to the history of western medical science.

The Guardian - Arts

It might not seem wise to start an argument with a poet and erudite translator of biblical texts on the meaning of words – particularly one so stubborn as to declare "I can gladly accept a criminal conviction, but not a restriction of our vocabulary".

The Guardian - Opinion

At the time Mr Obama was among the most liberal members of the Senate, a darling of progressives, unmatched in his erudite and eloquent grasp of policy detail.

The Economist

Non-violence may be a good way of tweaking the conscience of a liberal society, but it is a hopeless way of confronting tyrants, aggressors and madmen.Mark Kurlansky, in his erudite and eloquent book, tries to put the other side.

The Economist

Would a black man who had pickaxed a white couple to death but had seen the light in prison and become a devout and erudite Muslim have found such support?

The Economist

But what at the outset promises to be magisterial and erudite in the end turns out to be merely long-winded and pretentious.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "erudite" to describe someone whose knowledge is not only broad but also deeply integrated and thoughtfully applied. It suggests a command of information that goes beyond mere memorization.

Common error

Avoid using "erudite" in casual conversation or informal writing where a simpler term like "knowledgeable" or "well-informed" would be more appropriate. Overusing "erudite" can come across as pretentious.

Linguistic Context

Erudite" primarily functions as an adjective to describe a person or their work as possessing or displaying great knowledge gained from study. Ludwig shows it is used to characterize individuals, speeches, or writings that are deeply informed and scholarly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

28%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "erudite" is used to describe someone with extensive knowledge gained from study, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's grammatically correct and primarily found in formal contexts like news, business, and academic writing. While "erudite" is a strong descriptor, simpler alternatives like "knowledgeable" or "learned" may be more suitable for informal settings. Use "erudite" to convey deep respect for someone's intellectual depth. However, do not overuse it in casual conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

learned

Focuses on the acquisition of knowledge through study.

scholarly

Emphasizes dedication to academic pursuits and research.

knowledgeable

Indicates possessing a broad base of information and understanding.

well-read

Highlights familiarity with a wide range of books.

studious

Implies diligence and dedication to learning.

bookish

Suggests a strong preference for reading and academic interests.

cultivated

Suggests refinement of intellect and taste through learning.

academic

Relates to formal education and scholarly pursuits.

cerebral

Focuses on intellectual and rational thinking.

pedantic

Sometimes implies excessive concern with minor details or rules.

FAQs

How can I use "erudite" in a sentence?

You can use "erudite" to describe someone with extensive knowledge and learning. For example, "The professor's erudite lectures captivated the students."

What's a simpler word I can use instead of "erudite"?

Alternatives to "erudite" include "knowledgeable", "learned", or "scholarly" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "erudite" in everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "erudite" is a formal word. Using it in casual conversation might sound pretentious; consider using simpler alternatives like "smart" or "well-informed".

What is the difference between "erudite" and "intelligent"?

"Erudite" emphasizes knowledge gained through study and learning, while "intelligent" refers to a general capacity for understanding and reasoning. Someone can be intelligent without being erudite, and vice versa.