What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
erudite
Example
The professor was known for his erudite lectures on ancient history. [erudite: adjective]
Example
She impressed the interviewers with her erudite responses to their questions. [erudite: adjective]
learned
Example
He is a learned scholar in the field of linguistics. [learned: adjective]
Example
The book is written by a learned author who has extensively researched the topic. [learned: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Learned is more commonly used than erudite in everyday language, as it is more versatile and can be used in various contexts. Erudite is less common and is typically used in academic or formal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between erudite and learned?
Erudite is more formal than learned, as it is typically used in academic or intellectual contexts. Learned can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it more versatile in terms of formality.