literati

UK: ˌlɪtəˈrɑːti | US: ˌlɪtəˈrɑːti

Definition

  1. n. educated or scholarly people, especially those knowledgeable about literature

Structure
litera <letter>ti <plural suffix>
Etymology

Derived from Latin literatus (learned), which stems from littera (letter, writing). The suffix -ti (plural) reflects its Italian/Latin influence, originally denoting a group of learned individuals. The term evolved to describe intellectuals or cultured elites, particularly in literary circles.

Examples

  1. The café was a gathering place for the local literati.

  2. Renaissance literati often exchanged ideas through letters.

  3. Modern literati influence cultural trends through criticism.

  4. She was admired among the literati for her sharp essays.

  5. The journal publishes works by emerging literati.