lettered
|let-tered|
🇺🇸
/ˈlɛtɚd/
🇬🇧
/ˈlɛtəd/
(letter)
written communication
Etymology
'lettered' originates from Middle English, formed from the noun/verb 'letter' (via Old French 'lettre' from Latin 'littera') plus the suffix '-ed,' meaning 'having' or indicating the past participle.
'littera' in Latin became Old French 'lettre,' which entered Middle English as 'letter'; from this, 'lettered' developed as both a past participle and an adjective meaning 'literate' or 'furnished with letters.'
Initially, it meant 'provided with letters (of the alphabet) or marked with letters'; it soon broadened to denote 'literate, learned,' a sense that remains in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
(plural only, usually with 'the') Educated or learned people collectively.
The lettered gathered to discuss the new translation.
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Verb 1
past tense of 'letter'.
Yesterday, she lettered the envelopes by hand.
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Verb 2
past participle of 'letter'.
The crates were lettered in bold black paint.
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Adjective 1
literate; well-educated or learned.
She was raised in a deeply lettered household.
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Last updated: 2025/08/12 00:30