ERUDITION Synonyms: 16 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'erudition' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of erudition are knowledge , learning , and scholarship . While all these words mean "what is or can be known by an individual or by humankind," erudition strongly implies the acquiring of profound, recondite, or bookish learning. // an erudition unusual even in a scholar

Q: When might 'knowledge' be a better fit than 'erudition'?

While the synonyms knowledge and erudition are close in meaning, knowledge applies to facts or ideas acquired by study, investigation, observation, or experience. // rich in the knowledge of human nature

Q: When can 'learning' be used instead of 'erudition'?

The meanings of learning and erudition largely overlap; however, learning applies to knowledge acquired especially through formal, often advanced, schooling. // a book that demonstrates vast learning

Q: When could 'scholarship' be used to replace 'erudition'?

In some situations, the words scholarship and erudition are roughly equivalent. However, 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

erudition

noun

ˌer-ə-ˈdi-shən

Definition of erudition next

as in knowledge

the understanding and information gained from being educated a scientist of impressive erudition but with a down-to-earth manner

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the noun erudition differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of erudition are knowledge, learning, and scholarship. While all these words mean "what is or can be known by an individual or by humankind," erudition strongly implies the acquiring of profound, recondite, or bookish learning.

an erudition unusual even in a scholar

When might knowledge be a better fit than erudition?

While the synonyms knowledge and erudition are close in meaning, knowledge applies to facts or ideas acquired by study, investigation, observation, or experience.

rich in the knowledge of human nature

When can learning be used instead of erudition?

The meanings of learning and erudition largely overlap; however, learning applies to knowledge acquired especially through formal, often advanced, schooling.

a book that demonstrates vast learning

When could scholarship be used to replace erudition?

In some situations, the words scholarship and erudition are roughly equivalent. However, 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 Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of erudition These traditional institutions—including, more recently, Harvard—are steeped in a sense of stoicism, seriousness, and erudition. —

Amanda Petrusich, The New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2024 He is gifted with vertiginous erudition and witty humor. —

Addie Morfoot, Variety, 14 Mar. 2024 Ray is the rare Renaissance scholar who writes with both erudition and charm for a general audience; the book is as engaging as a highbrow novel. —

Norman Weinstein, The Christian Science Monitor, 7 Mar. 2024 His international background, combined with what was by all accounts his extraordinary erudition, contributed to his innovative approach to history — and especially to his novel views on historiography, the study of how history is and has been written. —

Emily Langer, Baltimore Sun, 23 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for erudition

Recent Examples of Synonyms for erudition

Noun

Every bank review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of banking and lending products.

Elizabeth Gravier, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024
Musk has had telephone conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to a source with knowledge of the matter, which was first reported by The Wall Street Journal.

David Ingram, NBC News, 5 Nov. 2024