Letter Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈlɛtər/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A letter is a written or printed character or symbol used to represent a sound or concept in a language, often used to form words and convey meaning.

Examples

1. “She wrote a letter to her friend expressing her gratitude.”

2. “The alphabet consists of 26 letters, each with its own unique sound and shape.”

Synonyms

1. Character

2. Symbol

Antonyms

1. Picture

2. Image

Etymology

The word “letter” comes from the Old French word “letre,” which is derived from the Latin word “litera,” meaning “letter” or “character.” The concept of letters as written symbols dates back to ancient civilizations, with evidence of written language found in ancient Sumeria, Egypt, and Greece.

Usage Notes

Letters can be used in various contexts, including written communication, such as emails, letters, and messages, as well as in typing and handwriting.

When using the word “letter,” it’s essential to consider the context and the intended meaning. For example, in a postal context, a letter refers to a physical piece of mail, while in a linguistic context, a letter refers to a written character or symbol.

Cultural References

The concept of letters has been depicted in various forms of media, including literature, art, and film. For example, the novel “The Letters of Abélard and Héloïse” by Peter Abelard and Héloïse d’Argenteuil explores the love letters exchanged between the two medieval scholars.

The movie “The Post” (2017) directed by Steven Spielberg tells the story of the Washington Post’s publication of the Pentagon Papers, a series of secret documents revealed through a series of letters and cables.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

1. “The letter of the law” refers to the literal interpretation of a rule or regulation, as opposed to its spirit or intent.

2. “Letter and spirit” refers to the combination of the literal meaning and the underlying intention or meaning of a rule or regulation.

Related Words or Phrases

1. Alphabet: a set of letters used to represent the sounds of a language.

2. Typography: the art and technique of arranging type to create written language.

Collocations

1. “The letter was written in a hurry.” (Collocation with “written”)

2. “She received a letter from her friend.” (Collocation with “received”)

Frequency of Use

The word “letter” is a common and frequently used term in everyday language, particularly in written communication and education.

Common Misspellings

1. “lettur” (instead of “letter”)

2. “lettre” (instead of “letter” in some dialects)