erudite
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of erudite
First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin ērudītus, equivalent to ērud(ē)- ( ē- intensive prefix + rud- “unformed, rough, rude”) + -ītus adjective suffix; see origin at e- 1, rude, -ite 2
Explanation
If you call someone erudite, that means they show great learning. After you've earned your second Ph.D., you will be truly erudite. Erudite is from Latin verb erudire, "to teach," which comes from rudis for "raw, unskilled, ignorant" (the source of our word rude). If you bring someone out of a raw state, you educate them, so someone who is erudite is very educated indeed (and perhaps a bit of a showoff). You can say either ER-oo-dite or ER-yoo-dite; the second one, being a bit harder to say, can seem a bit more erudite.
Vocabulary lists containing erudite
Advanced English Words
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Grade 10, List 2
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100 SAT Words Beginning with "E"
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Or perhaps more fittingly, fashion slowed down, allowing the public to perceive it with a more erudite critical eye than previously possible.
From Salon ● Sep. 5, 2026
Obama endeared himself to voters, especially younger ones, by coming off as the cool college professor who manages to sound erudite without being condescending.
From Salon ● Jul. 29, 2026
In 1985, the show held at the very same art museum caused a scandal for daring to bring fashion into the erudite ranks of a museum.
From Barron's ● Jul. 9, 2026
But “Die for Me” offers compelling counterarguments — like, what if that succubus is gorgeous, rich and erudite?
From Los Angeles Times ● May 12, 2026
Her dedicated, austere life could not be thus explained—she was the daughter of a solidly comfortable, erudite banking family.
From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
