What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
emeritus
Example
Professor Smith is now Professor Emeritus after his retirement. [emeritus: adjective]
Example
The company appointed John as CEO Emeritus after his retirement. [emeritus: noun]
retired
Example
My grandfather retired from his job at the factory last year. [retired: verb]
Example
She is now a retired teacher after teaching for 30 years. [retired: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Retired is more commonly used than emeritus in everyday language. Retired is a common term used to describe someone who has stopped working, while emeritus is less common and typically used in academic or professional contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between emeritus and retired?
Emeritus is generally considered more formal than retired, as it implies a higher level of achievement or recognition in one's field or profession. However, both words can be used in formal or informal contexts depending on the situation.
