# lettered

/ˈɫɛtɝd/ (US) · /lˈɛtəd/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lettered
Updated: 2026-10-12

## Definition

describing someone who is very well-educated and has spent a lot of time studying books and literature.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- Typically used as a formal adjective to describe people or their intellectual character.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.