erudition

noun

er·​u·​di·​tion ˌer-ə-ˈdi-shən 

ˌer-yə-

: extensive knowledge acquired chiefly from books : profound, recondite, or bookish learning

Synonyms of erudition

• knowledge
• literacy
• scholarship
• education
• learning

Choose the Right Synonym for erudition

knowledge, learning, erudition, scholarship mean what is or can be known by an individual or by humankind.

knowledge applies to facts or ideas acquired by study, investigation, observation, or experience.

rich in the knowledge of human nature

learning applies to knowledge acquired especially through formal, often advanced, schooling.

a book that demonstrates vast learning

erudition strongly implies the acquiring of profound, recondite, or bookish learning.

an erudition unusual even in a scholar

scholarship implies the possession of learning characteristic of the advanced scholar in a specialized field of study or investigation.

a work of first-rate literary scholarship

Examples of erudition in a Sentence

a scholar of remarkable erudition

a scientist of impressive erudition but with a down-to-earth manner

Recent Examples on the Web

Nor does Thomas, with all his erudition and vatic mannerisms, manage to have with his son anything close to the loving, reciprocal relationship that Max has with Emmie. —Hannah Gold, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026

Gene would use the erudition as a weapon on Ebert and vice versa. —Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 23 Nov. 2025

In a better world, novels of this level of sophistication, beauty, erudition, ambiguity, and play would come along more frequently and dominate the literary discourse. —Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2025

Even her earliest work displayed erudition, intelligence, creativity, and a broad range of poetic styles. —Daniel Foster, National Review, 15 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for erudition

• abolition
• acquisition
• admonition
• ammunition
• apparition
• apposition
• coalition
• competition
• composition
• definition
• deglutition
• demolition

Kids Definition

erudition

noun

er·​u·​di·​tion ˌer-(y)ə-ˈdish-ən 

: a wide amount of knowledge gained chiefly from books : learning