Word
lettered
Phoneticslet·tered, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɫɛtɝd/
UK/lˈɛtəd/
Definition
adj. describing someone who is very well-educated and has spent a lot of time studying books and literature.
adj. highly educated or knowledgeable in literature and the humanities. Often used to describe a person who possesses academic degrees or a deep familiarity with classical learning.
Examples
“He is a very lettered man who loves reading history.”
“The professor was a deeply lettered individual, capable of quoting obscure Latin poets from memory during his lectures.”
“In an era of rapid digital consumption, the tradition of the lettered scholar—one who values deep, contemplative reading over quick information—is becoming increasingly rare.”
Examples
simple
“He is a very lettered man who loves reading history.”
contextual
“The professor was a deeply lettered individual, capable of quoting obscure Latin poets from memory during his lectures.”
complex
“In an era of rapid digital consumption, the tradition of the lettered scholar—one who values deep, contemplative reading over quick information—is becoming increasingly rare.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “lettered” in context.
Verb
01. lettered in law
“The diplomat was lettered in law and history, aiding his complex negotiations.”
adj + prep + noun
02. remain lettered
“Despite his humble upbringing, he strove to remain lettered and well-informed.”
verb + adj
Adjective
03. deeply lettered
“Her deeply lettered background made her the perfect candidate for the university chair.”
adv + adj
04. highly lettered
“He was a highly lettered man, possessing a vast knowledge of classical literature.”
adv + adj
Noun
05. lettered elite
“The country's policies were largely dictated by a small, lettered elite.”
adj + noun
06. lettered gentleman
“He was regarded as a true lettered gentleman of the old school.”
adj + noun
07. a life of lettered ease
“He retired to the countryside to enjoy a life of lettered ease among his books.”
08. belong to the lettered class
“In the nineteenth century, only those who belonged to the lettered class held political power.”
Usage
Typically used as a formal adjective to describe people or their intellectual character.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/lettered