érudit

scholar, learned person

noun adjective eh-roo-DEE Rare

Origin: From Latin 'eruditus' (instructed, polished).

Usage Note

Érudit can function as both a noun (un érudit — a scholar) and an adjective (un homme érudit — a learned man). The feminine forms are érudite (adj) and une érudite (noun). The derived noun l'érudition (erudition, scholarship) is often seen in academic contexts, and the word sits at a formal register, well above savant or instruit.

Examples

"Cet érudit a consacré sa vie aux manuscrits anciens."

Natural Translation

This scholar devoted his life to ancient manuscripts.

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