Word
vita
Phoneticsvi·ta
US/ˈvaɪtə/
UK/vˈiːtɐ/
Definitions
01a resume or CV
n. a short name for a 'curriculum vitae', which is a document showing your work and education history.
n. a shortened, often informal reference to a curriculum vitae. While 'CV' is more common in speech, 'vita' appears in academic job applications.
“Please send your updated vita to the university's hiring committee by Monday.”
“The candidate's vita was impressive, detailing over twenty years of research in theoretical physics and numerous guest lectures at international conferences.”
Academic · American English
Usage
In American academic circles, 'vita' is often used instead of 'resume' for research positions.
Teaching tip
Note that the plural is 'vitae'. In the UK, 'CV' is almost always preferred over 'vita'.
Synonyms
02biography of a saint
n. a book or story that describes the life of a saint.
n. a hagiography or biographical account of a saint's life, often written in a formal or historical style.
“The monk spent years writing a vita of the monastery's founder.”
“Scholars analyzed the medieval vita to understand how the saint's reputation evolved during the fourteenth century.”
Formal · Academic · Literary
Usage
Often used in the titles of historical Latin texts, such as 'Vita Columbae'.
Teaching tip
This is a highly specialized term mostly found in history or religious studies.
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/vita