Letters
ˈlɛtərz
Definitions
3 meaningsA symbol or character of an alphabet.
ˈlɛtərz
Symbols representing sounds of speech, typically forming the alphabet.
He carefully traced the letters on the chalkboard.
💡 Simply: These are the squiggly lines we use to write! Just like when you write your name, each letter is like a little piece of the puzzle.
👶 For kids: A letter is like a special shape that we use to make words!
More Examples
The flashing neon sign displayed each letter brightly.
She learned to recognize all the letters of the Greek alphabet.
How It's Used
"Children learn the letters of the alphabet in kindergarten."
"She used the letters of the alphabet to write her name."
A written or printed communication addressed to a person or organization.
ˈlɛtərz
Written or printed messages.
I received a letter from my friend.
💡 Simply: A letter is a paper message you send to someone. Think of it like a handwritten email!
👶 For kids: A letter is a paper message that you can send to someone far away!
More Examples
He dictated a letter to his secretary.
The historian analyzed the letters of famous figures.
How It's Used
"She received many letters from her pen pal."
"The collection includes letters written during the war."
Literary or scholarly pursuits; knowledge gained from reading and study.
ˈlɛtərz
Acquired knowledge.
He dedicated his life to the pursuit of letters and scholarship.
💡 Simply: This means you are super smart and well-read! Like, someone who loves to read and knows a lot because of it. The term is more old-fashioned now.
👶 For kids: It means you know lots of stuff because you read a lot!
More Examples
The university's focus was on the arts and letters.
She was well-versed in history, literature, and the other letters of the field.
How It's Used
"He was a man of letters."
"The Renaissance was a time of revival in the letters."
Idioms & expressions
man of letters
A person devoted to literary pursuits and scholarship.
"He was known as a man of letters and wrote several influential novels."
letter perfect
Precise; correct in every detail; without error.
"The script was letter perfect, and the actors knew their lines flawlessly."
From Old French *lettre* (a letter of the alphabet, document) and Latin *littera* (letter, writing), ultimately from the Proto-Indo-European root *legh-* (to collect, gather, speak).
In older English texts, 'letters' could also refer to a formal written document or a person's general level of education.
Memory tip
Think of the building blocks of words and language.