erudite
adjective
ˈer-yə-
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Erudite derives from Latin eruditus, the past participle of the verb erudire, meaning "to instruct." A closer look at that verb shows that it is formed by combining the prefix e-, meaning "missing" or "absent," with the adjective rudis, which means "rude" or "ignorant." (Rudis is also the source of the English word rude.) We typically use rude to mean "discourteous" or "uncouth" but it can also mean "lacking refinement" or "uncivilized." Taking these meanings into account, erudite stays true to its etymology: someone who is erudite has been transformed from a roughened or uninformed state to a polished and knowledgeable one through a devotion to learning.
Synonyms
Examples of erudite in a Sentence
Susan Sontag, New Yorker, 18 & 25 June 2001
… an engaging fellow: erudite, entertaining, intolerant of trendiness and fearlessly old-fashioned. … He can turn a nice phrase, too.
—Mordecai Richler, Wall Street Journal, 2 May 1995
He was well read, especially in the works of Kipling, a field in which Violet could give him a game, and from time to time they would exchange erudite letters about Kipling characters.
—Anthony Powell, The Strangers All are Gone, 1982
the most erudite people in medical research attended the conference
an erudite lecture on the latest discoveries in astronomy
Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2024
This collection of erudite essays is a rich, revealing eye-opener.
—Allen Pierleoni -, Sacramento Bee, 30 Jan. 2024
See all Example Sentences for erudite 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'erudite.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Middle English erudit, from Latin eruditus, from past participle of erudire to instruct, from e- + rudis rude, ignorant
15th century, in the meaning defined above
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“Erudite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/erudite. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
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More from Merriam-Webster on erudite
Nglish: Translation of erudite for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of erudite for Arabic Speakers
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