erudition

USAGE SUMMARY

"erudition" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a noun that means deep and wide knowledge or learning, usually of a scholarly or educated kind. For example: Jane showed an impressive erudition when she answered the professor's questions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He claims they pathologised his erudition and his refusal to acquiesce.

The Guardian

#SBSEurosvision From erudition to the big questions.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It was almost like being back in Harvard, but now he was a professor, dispensing erudition, occasionally raising a chuckle from an attentive audience.

The Economist

Perversity amid diversity Defrocked No Napoleons What the world is reading ReprintsMr Diamond is a professor of physiology whose erudition, not always lightly worn, spreads out over linguistics, archaeology, ecology and more.

The Economist

A man of erudition, lightly worn, Huxley seemed to represent all that was best about English intellectual life.This, certainly, is how Huxley's biographer, Nicholas Murray, sees him.

The Economist

But he wears his enormous erudition lightly, and for all its musical, cultural and even philosophical insights, this is a wide-ranging and approachable book that will appeal to pianists of every level.In discussing the ritual of practice, he demonstrates his own remarkable virtuosity.

The Economist

The prices of essential goods, all soaring because of the high cost of air and sea transport, might fall.More broadly, locals hope that peace will return to a land that was once a cradle of Tamil erudition and culture but has become a battlefield of bullet-pocked homes and shrapnel-scarred temples.

The Economist

His invitation to that, with a request for the £25 fee (in today's money £68 or $100), came in 1985, forestalling his move to a well-paid post in California.His fans adored his polyglot erudition, charm and brains.

The Economist

He has a lightness of touch and erudition, a skill with anecdote, that recreates Egypt for all Egypt's roads lead to Cairo in all its contradictoriness.In this section Complex number Unlucky Lindy Almost there Into the light Onegin's creator Is reportage killing Latin fiction?

The Economist

For some reason, the impersonation worked.He moved quickly to mockery of his erudition, informing the audience that in the original Greek "politics" comes from "poli" for many, and ticks meaning "blood-sucking parasites".

The Economist

"A Time of Gifts", his account of the first section of the walk was a masterpiece of wit and erudition.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When praising someone's intellectual capabilities, "erudition" adds a layer of formality and respect.

Common error

Avoid using "erudition" to describe everyday knowledge or skills. Reserve it for instances where someone demonstrates extensive learning in a specific field.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "erudition" is that of a noun. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting a quality or attribute related to profound knowledge, and according to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable word in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Erudition refers to profound knowledge gained through extensive learning, often in academic or scholarly settings. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in formal contexts such as news media, science, and business. While similar to "scholarly expertise" or "profound knowledge", "erudition" specifically emphasizes the depth and breadth of acquired knowledge. When using this term, ensure it accurately reflects comprehensive learning rather than everyday knowledge. Its high usage frequency and presence in authoritative sources like The Economist and Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, reinforces its importance in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

profound knowledge

Emphasizes the depth and extent of knowledge possessed.

extensive learning

Highlights the breadth and scope of one's learning experiences.

scholarly expertise

Focuses on the specialized knowledge gained through academic study.

deep scholarship

Stresses the dedication and thoroughness of academic pursuits.

intellectual depth

Highlights the profoundness and complexity of one's understanding.

vast knowledge

Emphasizes the immense amount of information one possesses.

encyclopedic knowledge

Suggests a comprehensive and wide-ranging understanding of various subjects.

high learning

Indicates an advanced level of education and knowledge.

academic mastery

Highlights the comprehensive command of a particular academic discipline.

informed understanding

Focuses on the presence of knowledge and awareness when understanding a subject.

FAQs

How can I use "erudition" in a sentence?

You can use "erudition" to describe someone's profound knowledge. For example: "Her "profound knowledge" of classical literature was evident in her detailed analysis."

What are some alternatives to the word "erudition"?

Alternatives include "scholarly expertise", "profound knowledge", or "extensive learning", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to describe someone as having "erudition" or "intelligence"?

"Erudition" specifically refers to knowledge gained through study, while "intelligence" is a broader term for cognitive ability. Use "erudition" when emphasizing learned knowledge and "intellectual capacity" when referring to general mental acuity.

What's the difference between "erudition" and "pedantry"?

"Erudition" refers to genuine and impressive knowledge, whereas "pedantry" implies showing off one's knowledge in an annoying or overly formal way. "Pedantry" can be perceived negatively, while "erudition" is generally seen as a positive attribute.