Erudit

/ˌerəˈdɪt/ noun

Definition

An archaic or obsolete form referring to a learned or scholarly person; a scholar.

Etymology

From Latin eruditus, meaning 'learned' or 'scholarly,' derived from e- (out) + rudis (rude, unlearned). This word was largely replaced by 'erudite' as an adjective.

Kelly Says

This word shows how Latin-derived scholarship terms evolved—'erudit' fell out of use because English preferred 'erudite' as an adjective, leaving 'erudite person' as the standard.

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