erudite

adjective

er·​u·​dite ˈer-ə-ˌdīt  ˈer-yə- 

: having or showing knowledge that is gained by studying : possessing or displaying erudition

an erudite scholar

There was the erudite-but-humble professor next door and upstairs.

—Maria Shine Stewart

In the telling of a life lived through books, and in her own sometimes floridly erudite sentences, the deep magic of writing is revealed.

—Nina Renata Aron

eruditely adverb

Did you know?

Erudite derives from Latin eruditus, the past participle of the verb erudire, meaning "to instruct." A closer look at that verb shows that it is formed by combining the prefix e-, meaning "missing" or "absent," with the adjective rudis, which means "rude" or "ignorant." (Rudis is also the source of the English word rude.) We typically use rude to mean "discourteous" or "uncouth" but it can also mean "lacking refinement" or "uncivilized." Taking these meanings into account, erudite stays true to its etymology: someone who is erudite has been transformed from a roughened or uninformed state to a polished and knowledgeable one through a devotion to learning.

Synonyms of erudite

• literate
• educated
• scholarly
• civilized

Examples of erudite in a Sentence

He wasn't bashful about showing himself to be feverishly erudite, … terminally droll, and a wizard phrasemaker. —Susan Sontag, New Yorker, 18 & 25 June 2001

… an engaging fellow: erudite, entertaining, intolerant of trendiness and fearlessly old-fashioned.  … He can turn a nice phrase, too. —Mordecai Richler, Wall Street Journal, 2 May 1995

He was well read, especially in the works of Kipling, a field in which Violet could give him a game, and from time to time they would exchange erudite letters about Kipling characters. —Anthony Powell, The Strangers All are Gone, 1982

the most erudite people in medical research attended the conference

an erudite lecture on the latest discoveries in astronomy

Recent Examples on the Web

Original host Dave Garroway was an erudite guide who shaped the mix of news, lifestyle and human interest stories that still define morning news programs. —Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 10 June 2026

The work of the reclusive, forbiddingly erudite author turns out to be perfect easy-listening material. —Namara Smith, New Yorker, 10 June 2026

An erudite peek into the brains of both murderers and those who study them, Crazy, Not Insane takes you behind the true crime and into the minds of true criminals. —James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 4 June 2026

Unlike most samurais of his time, Murashige is thoughtful, erudite and believes violence is never the answer — a philosophy that comes back to haunt him, especially in the final act. —Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 24 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English erudit, from Latin eruditus, from past participle of erudire to instruct, from e- + rudis rude, ignorant

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for erudite

• acolyte
• aconite
• allanite
• alunite
• amberlite
• ammonite
• amorite
• amphitrite
• analyte
• anchorite
• andesite
• anhydrite

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!

Kids Definition

erudite

adjective

er·​u·​dite ˈer-(y)ə-ˌdīt 

: having or showing erudition

eruditely adverb