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 philosophy. [erudite: adjective]
Example
She impressed the panel with her erudite analysis of the literary work. [erudite: noun]
scholarly
Example
The article was praised for its scholarly approach to the topic. [scholarly: adjective]
Example
He is a well-respected scholarly authority on medieval history. [scholarly: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scholarly is more commonly used than erudite in academic and professional contexts. Erudite is less common and may be seen as more literary or poetic.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between erudite and scholarly?
Scholarly is more formal than erudite, and is often used in academic or professional contexts. Erudite is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
