letter
letter
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "letter" is /ˈlɛt.ər/.
/ˈlɛt/
/ər/
Word Form Variations
Noun: letter (singular), letters (plural)
Verb: letter (present tense, meaning to write or mark with letters), letters (third person singular present), lettering (present participle), lettered (past tense, past participle)
Adjective: lettered (meaning literate or marked with letters)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: A character representing one or more of the sounds used in speech; any of the symbols of an alphabet.
Synonyms: character, symbol, grapheme, sign
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms; perhaps "number" or "digit" as contrasting types of symbols)
Definition 2: A written, typed, or printed communication, typically sent in an envelope by mail or electronic means.
Synonyms: message, note, correspondence, missive, email (if electronic)
Antonyms: speech, conversation, phone call (referring to oral communication)
Definition 3: (Often plural "letters") Knowledge of reading and writing; literacy or learning.
Synonyms: literacy, scholarship, erudition, learning, education
Antonyms: illiteracy, ignorance, unletteredness
Definition 4: A single or combined initial(s) of a word or words, often used as a distinguishing mark or part of an abbreviation.
Synonyms: initial, monogram, abbreviation, symbol
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms, as it refers to a specific type of mark)
Definition 5: A literal interpretation of something, rather than its spirit or intention (often in the phrase "the letter of the law").
Synonyms: exact wording, precise meaning, literal interpretation
Antonyms: spirit, intention, essence, gist
Verb
Definition 1: To mark or decorate with letters.
Synonyms: inscribe, label, title, mark, write
Antonyms: erase, unmark, efface, obliterate
Definition 2: To form letters, especially neatly or artistically.
Synonyms: caligraph, hand-letter, write, draw (letters)
Antonyms: scribble, scrawl, deface
Adjective
Definition 1: Having knowledge of literature; educated or literate. (Often used as "well-lettered")
Synonyms: literate, educated, scholarly, learned, erudite
Antonyms: illiterate, uneducated, unlettered, ignorant
Definition 2: Marked or written with letters.
Synonyms: inscribed, labeled, marked, written
Antonyms: unmarked, blank, unlettered
Examples of Use
Books:
"He carefully formed each letter on the parchment, ensuring his message was legible." (Fictional example from a historical novel)
"The author's early letters reveal much about his struggles before achieving literary success." (From a biography or collection of correspondence)
"Learning the alphabet is the first step; understanding the sound each letter makes is crucial for reading." (From a children's educational book)
Newspapers:
"The editor received numerous letters to the editor concerning the proposed tax increase." ("The Daily Nation,")
"Police followed the letter of the law in their investigation, leaving no room for legal challenge." ("The Standard,")
"A rare collection of handwritten letters by historical figures will be auctioned next month." ("The New York Times,")
Online Publications:
"How to write a compelling cover letter that lands you the job interview." (An article on a career advice website, e.g., "LinkedIn Learning Blog,")
"The latest software update features new typography options, allowing designers to meticulously letter their titles." (A design blog review on "Smashing Magazine,")
"Understanding the meaning behind each letter in a scientific abbreviation is key to clarity." (A scientific writing guide on "Nature.com,")
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "I found this old love letter in the attic, addressed to my grandmother." (Dialogue from a romantic drama film, e.g., "The Notebook")
Television Series: "Tonight's challenge requires you to letter this intricate calligraphy on a delicate scroll." (Instructions on a craft or art competition show, e.g., "The Great British Bake Off" but with art)
Song Lyrics: "Every single letter, every whispered word, reminds me of the love that we once shared." (From a pop ballad about a past relationship)
Video Games: "Collect all the hidden letters to unlock a bonus level!" (In-game objective in a platformer or puzzle game, e.g., "Super Mario Bros.")
Podcasts: "We've received a fascinating letter from a listener, asking for advice on ethical dilemmas." (A podcast host reading listener mail, e.g., "Dear Sugars")
General Public Discourse:
"Can you read me the first letter of that word again?" (Asking for clarification during a spelling game or dictation)
"I need to mail this letter before the post office closes." (A common task)
"He's a very lettered man, always quoting classical literature." (Describing someone as educated)
"Make sure you follow the letter of the instructions, don't deviate." (Emphasizing strict adherence to rules)
"I used an old stencil to letter the sign for my shop." (Explaining a DIY project)
10 Famous Quotes Using Letter
“Every life is a letter to someone.” – Thornton Wilder
“The pen is mightier than the sword, and considerably easier to write with.” – Marty Feldman (implied through the power of the written letter)
“A letter always seemed to me like immortality because it is the mind alone without corporeal friend.” – Emily Dickinson
“Letter writing is the only device for combining solitude with good company.” – Lord Byron
“A woman’s best love letters are always written to the man she is betraying.” – Lawrence Durrell
“Please write again soon. Though my own life is but a minute, my letters are timeless.” – Emily Dickinson
“The art of writing a love letter is the art of saying everything without saying anything.” – Unknown
“A letter is the most basic—and the most beautiful—form of human communication.” – Hunter S. Thompson
“A letter doesn’t belong to the sender once it’s sent, it belongs to the receiver.” – Ernest Hemingway
“There must be millions of people all over the world who never get any love letters… I could be their leader.” – Charlie Brown (Charles M. Schulz)
Etymology
The word "letter" has a clear and interesting lineage!
It comes to us from the Old French word letre, which had a couple of meanings, including "a character" (like an alphabet character) and "a missive" or "note" (a written message).
This Old French word, in turn, ultimately traces back to the Latin word littera. In Latin, littera originally meant "a letter of the alphabet." When used in its plural form, litterae, it could also mean "an epistle" (a formal letter) or even "literature" and "learning."
So, the first known use of "letter" in English, around the early 13th century (during the Middle English period), largely carried these Latin-derived meanings. It referred to both:
A character of the alphabet (like 'A' or 'B').
A written message or communication.
Over time, other related meanings, like "learning" (as in "man of letters") or "the literal interpretation" ("the letter of the law"), developed from these core concepts of written symbols and communication.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Letter
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "letter":
To the letter: Exactly as stated or instructed, precisely.
A man/woman of letters: A person knowledgeable in literature; a scholar or writer.
The letter of the law: The strict, literal interpretation of the law, as opposed to its spirit or intent.
Red-letter day: A day that is memorable because of a special or happy event.
Drop a letter: To write and send a letter.
Dear John letter: A letter (usually from a woman to a man) informing him that their relationship is over.
Letter of the alphabet: A basic character used in a writing system.
Letter of intent: A document outlining the understanding between two or more parties, often preliminary to a more formal agreement.
A scarlet letter: A mark of shame or disgrace, often publicly displayed (from Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel).
Get one's letters: To receive formal accreditation or qualifications, especially in a professional field.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of letter from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
